The Johns Hopkins House, Inc. and its founder, Robert S. Brown, have been permanently banned from charitable soliciting in Maryland following a settlement over violations of the Maryland Solicitations Act, including misleading donors and misusing funds, according to Attorney General Anthony G. Brown and Secretary of State Susan C. Lee.
Per the Maryland State’s Attorney’s Office, “Attorney General Anthony G. Brown and Secretary of State Susan C. Lee today announced a settlement with The Johns Hopkins House, Inc., a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, and its founder, Robert S. Brown, for alleged violations of the Maryland Solicitations Act. The settlement requires Mr. Brown to permanently shut down the organization and cease all charitable soliciting in the State of Maryland.
“Rather than spend their hard-earned money on themselves or their families, donors make the honorable decision to support causes and organizations that are important to them. A charitable organization that misleads its donors about the use of their funds betrays those who just want to help their fellow Marylanders,” said Attorney General Brown. “Our office is committed to holding accountable those who abuse charitable assets and protecting Maryland consumers from unlawful fundraising.”
The settlement resolves a summary cease and desist order issued by the Secretary of State on October 23, 2023. This order halted all charitable soliciting following a determination that Mr. Brown committed multiple violations of the Maryland Solicitations Act. These violations included failing to disclose financial information upon request and misleading donors about the actual use of charitable donations.
As part of its mission, The Johns Hopkins House, Inc. claimed it would save and preserve Whites Hall, the childhood home of famed Marylander Johns Hopkins. The organization also stated it would establish a museum on the property and fund scholarships. However, fundraising events advertised throughout 2023 to support this mission were never held. In January 2024, the organization lost Whites Hall to foreclosure, and during the foreclosure process, donors were misled about the organization’s financial status.
The investigation revealed that charitable contributions, which were allegedly used to support the organization’s stated mission, were instead directed toward fundraising expenses. Additionally, some contributions were used to support Mr. Brown’s living expenses at Whites Hall.
“The Maryland Secretary of State’s Office takes its role in protecting the public’s trust in charity seriously,” said Secretary Lee. “Charities that abuse the trust of their donors undercut the public’s confidence in charities as a whole, making it harder for well-meaning organizations to perform the invaluable work our communities rely on.”
The settlement agreement permanently bans Mr. Brown from charitable soliciting or operating a charitable organization in Maryland. Mr. Brown has signed an apology letter to donors and community members acknowledging the cessation of all charity operations in the state. As part of the settlement, Mr. Brown denied any wrongdoing.
Attorney General Brown and Secretary Lee expressed gratitude to Assistant Attorney General Alexander Ayer, Investigator Robert Gurley, and Investigator Tricia Templeton for their assistance in the investigation and resolution of this matter.
The Office of the Secretary of State oversees the registration and regulation of all charitable organizations soliciting contributions in Maryland. Together with the Maryland Attorney General’s Office, the Secretary of State ensures that charitable contributions go to qualified organizations and are used for their intended purpose.
To confirm if a charity is registered to solicit in Maryland, visit the SoS-Public Registry. To report suspected violations of charitable giving laws, call 410-974-5534. Additional information on charities and smart giving tips can be found on the Maryland Secretary of State’s charity homepage and the Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division website.”