Lemons wept when she read an e-mail that McSweeney had sent that suggested he planned to kill himself after he went missing for a while in May 2007. Under questioning, she also said she did not believe McSweeney intended to defraud anyone.

Steve Cooley, an auditor with the Utah Division of Consumer Protection, met with McSweeney on May 18, 2007, in the presence of another state worker and asked for details about the finances of the Unsung Heroes.

Cooley said the charity was red-flagged because the state received reports of $180,000 in donations, but only $1,000 in expenses, which he said was "very unusual," especially when a newspaper article discussed a fundraiser that would have cost some money to put on.

He also had read about the cancellation of the 2007 trip.

Cooley said the breakdown of expenses from the 2006 trip and the money for the 2007 trip simply did not compute.

"It became apparent these amounts didn't seem to make sense," Cooley said.

Cooley said McSweeney told him that he was soliciting funds and over time he expected to raise enough money to pay the old debts, finance a 2007 trip and even pay for future Washington excursions. Cooley said that McSweeney was confident that with "enough exposure and contacts" the necessary money could be found.

Under questioning, Cooley said McSweeney did not appear remorseful that the May 2007 trip was canceled.

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E-mail: lindat@desnews.com