Leroy Butler's charity under investigation by IRS

MILWAUKEE- According to reports from Gannett Wisconsin Media, the IRS is probing why Butler has been raising money in Wisconsin over the last decade but has made only one annual filing.

For years the Leroy Butler Foundation has helped women going through breast cancer treatment.

Reports show the foundation hasn't filed with the IRS since 2002 even though Butler continued to raise money under that name through this year.

Less than a week ago the Leroy Butler Foundation posted a message announcing the charity will shut down in February.

 

On Facebook Butler posted this message:

\"I believe that it is a privilege and an honor to have people choose to be your fan. This is not something that I take lightly and I have always tried to show respect and appreciation for my fans.



One way I have done this is through my philanthropic work. While I have worked hard throughout my career, I know that I have been blessed to have received the gifts given me and I’ve tried to return those blessings to those who may have been less fortunate or were facing challenges.



This weekend, an article was published that misrepresented the work I’ve done. It is important to me and those who work with me that I set the record straight regarding my charitable activities. Prior to the publication of that article, my Foundation had been cooperating with the Internal Revenue Service in their review of the Foundation.



Concurrently, the Foundation was conducting an independent review to determine if it was operating in compliance with federal guidelines. The results of these reviews have not been returned to the Foundation. We will respect the determinations made by both the IRS and our internal reviewers and act accordingly.



Recently, a decision was made to end the foundation’s operations at the end of this year. This decision was made prior to the publication of the article in question.



My bond with the people of Wisconsin is deep. I have many friendships and alliances here. The people of Wisconsin can trust me to do what is right. I always have.



If it is determined that there are any irregularities, they will be addressed and corrected.

That is my promise and commitment to my fans and the people of Wisconsin who have supported me and the Foundation.\"