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Jesters Exposed

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Update: As of today, February 18, 2008, the tax returns of approximately 200 clubs can be found by searching for "Royal Order of Jesters" here. Additionally, a list of Jesters contacts is available at the end of this article.

Update: As of today, February 17, 2008, the International Royal Order of Jesters has failed to comply with a December 20, 2007 request for their exemption application AKA Form 1023. Additionally, IRS documents indicate that the International Royal Order of Jesters may not be a legitimate charity because their advance ruling period expired December 31, 2007.

The Royal Order of Jesters is made up of 24,000 invited Shrine leaders, including current Imperial Potentate, Dr. Bernard Lemieux, MD. Other members of the current Imperial Divan claiming Jesters membership include Alan Madsen, Gene Bracewell, Jack Jones and Jerry Gantt. Their mascot is a naked little guy named "Billiken" who, when shown animated online, appears to have his, uh, thingy popping up and down as he blinks.

So, the Shriners "have fun while helping kids" and the Jesters just have a good time "spreading the gospel of mirth."

Good times usually mean orgies and the Shriners and Jesters are no strangers to sex scandals.

Back in January, 2001, Canadian media reported how a Shriner "gentlemen's dinner" turned lewd when a naked woman began performing lap dances, another laid nude on a table as a man slid a beer bottle in her and then performed oral sex on her. After police investigated, the Shriners unit was disbanded.

The International Royal Order of Jesters oversees nearly 200 clubs. Their members include United States Presidents, including Truman and Ford, congressmen, governors, state representatives, federal judges, US district attorneys and secretaries of state. Their ranks are swollen with doctors, lawyers, sheriffs, Masonic Grand Masters and Shrine leaders.

So far, the Jesters have managed to fly under the radar without anyone asking too many questions.

Until now.

The first question is:

Have the Jesters hustled the feds by convincing them that raising millions for partying is a legitimate exempt purpose because the IRS has had no problem classifying them as both a nonprofit fraternity and charity?

Their 2005 tax returns AKA the 990s show that the Jesters fraternal brought in over $1.3 million dollars with assets totaling over $1.8 million dollars. That same year, the Jesters charitable brought in over $420,000 with assets totaling $835,000, for a combined worth of about $2.65 million dollars. And, in that same year, charitable contributions went toward building their new $1.2 million 5,000 square foot HQ/museum in Indianapolis, Indiana.

This also means that the members can claim their dues as charitable contributions on their tax returns.

In 2006, Jesters executive director Alex Rogers, who is also an attorney and past potentate, submitted an application for property tax exemption to the Marion County Assessor based on the group's claim of being a charity, claiming their new office building included a museum.

The Jesters current website also claims their new headquarters is a 5,000 square foot museum. The site also states, for the first time, that the museum now includes memorabilia dedicated to the works of William Shakespeare. This Shakespeare connection is new, as it has not been previouisly mentioned anywhere in the groups' historical or non profit documentation, including tax returns. If this is truly the case, it must be reported to the IRS as a change in charitable purpose.

The application for property exemption was denied because tax authorities were not convinced that the Jesters qualified as a charity, based on the museum claims, under Indiana law.

Rogers appealed the decision and convinced the Indiana Tax Assessment Board of Appeals that the Jesters are an appendant body of Masonry. Both parties entered into a Settlement Agreement in January, 2007 that stipulated a 100% fraternal tax exemption for the year 2005, otherwise the Jesters would have had to cough up about $12,000 in property taxes.

When questioned about Jesters activities, Rogers deferred inquiries to "Royal Director" Gene Best and Texas attorney Ron Pruitt, both of whom have not returned phone calls or responded to questions.

Pruitt appears to be responsible for incorporating the International Royal Order of Jesters in Texas in 2003 and for obtaining the International Royal Order of Jesters 501c3 charitable classification from the IRS in 2004. Pruitt listed the same address he's reported to the Texas Bar Association as the Jesters headquarters address on the group's application for IRS non profit status.

Coincidentally, both Rogers and Pruitt appear to be practicing law out of Jesters' headquarters. Both have listed their business addresses and phone numbers with the Indiana Supreme Court Roll of Attorneys and the Texas Bar Association as Jesters' headquarters in Indiana and Texas.

Nonprofit groups are prohibited from providing personal benefit to anyone.

Pruitt was fax-asked why he, as Chairman of the Jesters' Jurisprudence and Laws Committee, was included on a letter sent by "Royal Stage Manager" Dennis Schueler to Jester Frank Baillie, informing him that the Jesters had "directed the abolition of all Jester-related bulletin boards and internet sites. The primary reason behind such action was the desire of the Board to minimize the extent possible, our public exposure or its access to Jesters information." Pruitt has failed to respond and explain why a non profit group would want all bulliten boards and internet sites taken offline.

When questioned about the letter, Scheuler denied all knowledge and abruptly hung up. When given another opportunity to answer the questions via email, Schueler replied:

"I do not believe I have any information that would be of help to you. Please stop harassing me!"

Since Jesters functions have always been listed on the Imperial Council's annual session agenda, questions about the group were sent to Shriners corporate communications director, Alicia Aargiz-Lyons, who, like the others, failed to respond. Oddly, the 2008 Imperial Council tentative schedule does not list Jesters functions.

So, the second question is:

Why would a nonprofit group with a naked thingy-popping mascot refuse to answer questions and demand such secrecy?

Is the answer in a 2005 complaint that was sent to and investigated by the Grand Lodge of Texas?

It was written by a long time Shriner/Jester who claimed the anonymous moniker "Sam Houston" because "What I am about to portray to you could endanger my life and the life of my family." It alleged that "During the initiation of new Jesters I was offered the opportunity by another fellow brother to sleep with a whore, even though I had a wife and kids waiting for me to come home."

The complaint also alleged that:

•Prostitutes were available for Jesters to have their way with

•Brothers had sex in front of other brothers

•Brothers held oral sex competitions

•Potentates, Chaplains, Attorneys, Judges and Past Masters were Jesters

•Sex, illegal gambling and alcohol were the preferred order of business

Not that messing around, holding oral sex competitions, getting snot slinging drunk and gambling your butt off is a bad thing, but to allegedly do so as a nonprofit group?

The complaint continued that "the Jesters pride themselves in having control of all leadership positions at all of the Shrine Temples in the U.S. and Canada as well as the Imperial Shrine leadership. Also, they have risen through the ranks in every body of Masonry including the Scottish Rite, York Rite, Rosicrucians, Red Cross of Constantine, Eastern Star and the Demolay Organizations."

The complaint asked the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Texas to investigate the Jesters for:

•Actions which disgrace Masonry

•Indulging in the intemperate use of intoxicating liquor

•Gambling

•Profane swearing

•Willfully abandoning their families

•Cohabiting with lewd women

The investigation yielded no prosecutions.

No wonder the Shriners kept quiet as members who have been accused of violating Shrine law have been "tried," kicked out or sued.

Or maybe they were scared of losing their eyeballs, having their feet sliced open and getting the plague?

The Shriners Oath makes candidates "promise, swear and vow that they will never reveal any secret part or portion whatsoever of the ceremonies" and if they do, they will "incur the fearful penalty of having my eyeballs pierced to the center with a three-edged blade, my feet flayed and I be forced to walk the hot sands upon the sterile shores of the Red Sea until the flaming sun shall strike me with livid plague."

Ouch.

No wonder their membership has dropped by 60% the past twenty five years.

Kind of like thinking you had $100 in your wallet and finding only $40.

So, is any of the complaint true?

"Oh, yeah, it's all true," said John Doe, a former Jester who also fears for his life, though he and Sam Houston would be protected as whistleblowers under the post-Enron Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

"The Jesters sole purpose is to party and spend lots of money," Doe explained. "Some of these clubs are sitting on hundreds of thousands of dollars. Why should an organization like this be granted tax exempt status?"

"Many state Grand Masters' of Masonry are Jesters," he continued. "So when the Jesters are investigated for lewd, explicit sexual behavior, they are investigated by one of their own. There are lavish parties where the wives can attend with some very nice gift given to each Jester's wife or Lady attending. The 'Stag' parties are the 'Dark' side of Jesters. Most wives know no detail with respect to the 'Stag' parties."

So, is any of this against the law?

Could the Jesters be committing state and federal tax fraud if International and the individual clubs continue to file inaccurate and incomplete tax returns? The IRS might also want to see why Rogers and Pruitt appear to be practicing law out of Jesters' HQ as well as investigate the Jester's charitable status after Indiana tax authorities initially denied their property tax exemption application. If the IRS suspended the Jesters charitable status, those who took potentially fraudulent deductions could also be investigated for tax fraud.

Have the Jesters filed incomplete or inaccurate tax returns? And is the IRS serious about the disclosure of nonprofit executive compensation?

The 990 gives nonprofit groups ample opportunity to disclose such compensation in a "fill in the blanks" kind of way. At issue are the Jesters' fraternal 2005, 2004 and 2003 tax returns that report "Directors Expense" as $31,865, $24,778 and $31,116, respectively. Whether this was paid to the executive director Alex Rogers, or another director, the Jesters failed to report this compensation in at least three other "fill in the blanks" sections. The Jesters also failed to report that both the fraternity and charity share the same building, services, board members and employees.

The clubs' tax returns aren't much better. The Royal Order of Jesters, Court 113 in Summerville, SC inaccurately told the IRS that their exempt purpose is "Helping Crippled Children." Other courts fail to disclose their organization type and as well as things like program accomplishments and program service expenses so no one really knows how they justify their tax exempt status nor how much it costs to do so.

Jesters International and all clubs, as well as the Masons and Shriners, have also hidden their affiliations by failing to tell the feds that they are "related through common membership, governing bodies, etc, to any other exempt or non exempt organizations."

In other words, the IRS wants a complete picture of how a nonprofit group operates and who they operate with. The Masons, Shriners and Jesters seem to want to keep their relationships secret.

The Masons use the symbolism of masonry to teach moral and ethical lessons of the principles of "Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth." Maybe the Jesters are seen as the way for Masons AKA Shriners to get true relief through brotherly love as they get drunk and allegedly mess around on their wives?

So, if you read that some Shriner is bragging about being a member of the Royal Order of Jesters, maybe it's because he just wants to put the "potent" back into Potentate.

This list of Jesters contacts is based on nonprofit/tax exempt information that is of the online public record made available by the federal government as compiled by www.taxexemptworld.com:

WILLIAM DEMLADE 109 STENNIS AVE Ocean Springs, MS 39564-5115
GARY D MEYERS 11255 HOLLY RDG Smithfield, VA 23430-5729
TOM W HUNTINGTON 1126 E 3RD ST Berwick, PA 18603-4002
JOHN W SWAINSON 1127 W SUNNY CR CIR Spokane, WA 99224-0000
DAVID W MCCLENAHAN 113 HARVEY PKWY Avon Lake, OH 44012-1829
GEORGE A HALL 114 LAURETTA DR Billings, MT 59101-6638
MARK T RUFFIN III 11422 WOODCOCK RD Glen Allen, VA 23059-0000
GALE F BENNINGTON 12073 LAKE PLACID DR Saint Louis, MO 63146-5110
ROLAND W WILLIAMS TREAS 1216 DEER RUN RD Dayton, OH 45459-4901
JACK WINFRED PARKER 1216 OLD RD Chapin, SC 29036-8510
JOHN K HALVORSON 1230 MALLARD DR Bradley, IL 60915-1324
GREG COOK 124 S MAIN ST Arab, AL 35016-1351
RONALD F HURST 12655 FALCON DR Brookfield, WI 53005-6593
HARVEY VICENT IMPRESARIO 12979 HWY 110 N Tyler, TX 75704-2435
HARVEY M LEVIN 133 VALLEY RUN DR Cherry Hill, NJ 08002-3046
ALBERT W HEAD IMPRESARIO 140 DUNNING KEEP Covington, GA 30016-1742
FREDERICK A THAGER IV 14113 CEDARWOOD DR SW Cumberland, MD 21502-5736
GEORGE H KARNES 143 YELLOW BREECHES DR Camp Hill, PA 17011-8342
WILLIAM E BARBER 1430 CLEARPOINT DR Hixson, TN 37343-4405
TED REED 1431 FLINTRIDGE RD Florence, KY 41042-1107
ARTHUR MACDONALD 15 NEIL LN North Scituate, RI 02857-1221
MICHAEL RODGERS 1515 E TROPICANA Las Vegas, NV 89119-6517
R T PETERS JR 1538 W RIDGE ST APT 10 Marquette, MI 49855-3134
S MICHAEL BRAIN 1540 MIDLAND CT NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-1922
WILLIAM R CLARK JR 1550 FINANCIAL ST 666 WALNUT ST Des Moines, IA 50309-0000
JERRY WARD 1601 BUSINESS CENTER CT STE 102 Louisville, KY 40299-2312
JAMES R FULLER 1914 HOWARD DR Monroe, LA 71201-4548
OW FINLEY 1915 CANYON DR Coeur D Alene, ID 83815-9007
RONALD V WOODHEAD 1938 SHERIDAN RD Salt Lake City, UT 84108-2233
TONY SHAKKOUR 194 MACDONALD DR Wayne, NJ 07470-3846
DENNIS D FEYH 1967 BIG RUN RD E Grove City, OH 43123-3706
GERALD C VIDALLIER 200 SAINT FRANCIS PKWY Abbeville, LA 70510-2198
DENNIS V SIEWERT 200 WILLIAM ST UNIT 201 De Pere, WI 54115-2565
BOBBY B SIMMONS 203 WILLIAMS DR Bonaire, GA 31005-3826
JOHN PECKHAM 205 E 29TH ST Sioux Falls, SD 57105-3918
SAM G KAPOURALES 215 LOGAN ST STE 10 Williamson, WV 25661-3600
KEITH ADAMS 215 N 56TH AVE APT 28 Yakima, WA 98908-5100
DAVID R SHOPE 2207 OKLAHOMA AVE Davenport, IA 52804-4622
J CRAIG COWGILL 2211 NORFOLK ST STE 1190 Houston, TX 77098-4054
LARRY D WAGGONER 233 SEATON DR Russell, KY 41169-1416
LOWELL C HOLMGREN 2505 E ST FRANCIS ST Rapid City, SD 57703-5928
CHARLES CATAPANO 2585 DAVENPORT PL Bellmore, NY 11710-2601
JACK B RENDALL 2610 HALLE PKWY Collierville, TN 38017-8888
JOHN C WILLIAMS TREASURER 2665 WEIR RD Aston, PA 19014-2617
DAVID L BARNES 2701 MCCLELLAN ST Monroe, LA 71201-3074
KENNETH HOLMAN KELLEY 2850 SUNSET RD Melbourne, FL 32904-8815
DEREK E VAN HOUTEN 2867 CHILI AVE Rochester, NY 14624-4833
JERRY ADAMS 28730 SW BAKER RD Sherwood, OR 97140-8410
RONALD B PRUITT 2950 NORTH LOOP W STE 270 Houston, TX 77092-8800
LAWRENCE E DAVIES 3 JULIA ST Hollidaysburg, PA 16648-9210
WILLIAM H MERRITT TREASURER 3009 MEADOW FOREST DR Jackson, MS 39212-4034
CHARLES A MCVEY 3065 ROWLAND RD Reno, NV 89509-2232
DENNIS J BLAIR 309 FONTAINE DR Thomasville, GA 31792-4154
RICHARD B SMITH 312 ORCHARD DR Lake Charles, LA 70605-4446
N ROY ANDERSON 3123 BRIARWOOD BLVD Grand Island, NE 68801-7224
ROBERT E FRITZSCHE 3167 DEWALT DR Akron, OH 44312-5613
CLAUDE A AKRIDGE 3286 S EMPORIA CT Denver, CO 80231-4738
CD SMITH 3313 LYNETTE DR Amarillo, TX 79109-4509
J T HAMILTON TREASURER 3379 CALLE VISTA DR Medford, OR 97504-9279
L BLAINE CHARAK 3414 DUPONT AVE Kensington, MD 20895-2601
WILLIAM L STEWART IMPRESARIO 352 KIMMSWICK RD Charlotte, NC 28214-1248
KARL J KOCH 36 MERELINE AVE Albany, NY 12209-1426
G FRED SLANEY 3617 WYNGATE LN Birmingham, AL 35242-4224
JERRY E HOSLER 3723 N BIGELOW ST Peoria, IL 61614-7362
ROBERT A LEE 3776 HIGHWAY 154 Elm Grove, LA 71051-8697
WILLIAM NICHOLSON393 WOODCREST DR Kingsport, TN 37663-2327
MURRAY FALK 4010 NE 397TH CIR La Center, WA 98629-4623
WILLIAM GASTON GAINER IMPRESARIO 402 N HOWARD AVE Tampa, FL 33606-1511
JOHN B KAYS 404 CIRCLE DR Cut Bank, MT 59427-3621
PAUL E FOSTER 41 WILDWOOD AVE Fulton, NY 13069-6900
RICHARD W CRABB 410 CHAUTAUQUA BLVD Erie, PA 16511-1113
JOHN TUNNELL 4102 RIVERCREST DR Wichita Falls, TX 76309-2804
LARRY D PRESSMAN 4115 SW EAGLE POINT RD Topeka, KS 66610-1569
JAMES C OSWALT 413 HOLLAND RD Benton, KY 42025-5934
THOMAS E GARNER 413 TOMLINSON AVE Glen Dale, WV 26038-1519
WILLIAM R BOWERS 4154 ELIZABETH CT Cypress, CA 90630-4119
SAM GRASSMICK 418 W 6TH ST Pueblo, CO 81003-3107
RYAN LIKENESS 41896 120TH ST Langford, SD 57454-5802
PETER K STONE 42 OLD MILL RD Leominster, MA 01453-5218
BILL ESRY RIDGE BK & TRUST 4200 LITTLE BLUE PKWY Independence, MO 64057-8306
WAYNE W GRINDLE 4216 HIGH RIDGE RD Haymarket, VA 20169-2411
RON D HINDS 4231 GREENBRIAR DR Nixa, MO 65714-8132
LEROY R HOCKING 4236 PRO AM AVE E Bradenton, FL 34203-3401
DAVID KROGH 440 RIVERS EDGE ESTATES Dakota City, NE 68731-0000
WILLIAM LEON MOUNNING 4409 BLUEFIELD DR Corpus Christi, TX 78413-3142
KENNETH L SHORT 444 N EL CAMINO REAL SPC 96 Encinitas, CA 92024-1313
JONATHAN W HIGGINS 4524 N MANILA AVE Fresno, CA 93727-7253
RICHARD E LYNN 4821 SW 188TH AVE Fort Lauderdale, FL 33332-1321
DONALD L GARLOCK 4832 BROOKWOOD DR Roanoke, VA 24018-2840
JIM KONDRASUK 4930 ARROWHEAD DR Madison, WI 53716-2901
CHRISTOPHER S MASON 4951 CARVER AVE Feasterville Trevose, PA 19053-6251
JOHN J HADLEY 500 5TH ST Marietta, OH 45750-1978
DON H ROACH 5002 MOCKINGBIRD LN Saint Joseph, MO 64506-3329
ROBERT E MATHERS5045 PRINCE RD Lincoln, NE 68516-3126
JIMMY R HUNT 519 WOODLAKE DR Sheyenne, ND 58374-9616
STEPHEN T RYE SR 5203 HARVEST CIR Austin, TX 78745-2230
STUART A GRESHAM IMPRESARIO 54 ANDOVER DR Springfield, IL 62704-5431
WALTER H PATCH 5615 LAURA DAWN AVE Cheyenne, WY 82009-3750
RICHARD C PERRY 57 SALMON PT RD Sebago, ME 04029-0000
DEAN O TAYLOR 5801 BROADWAY EXT FL 500 Oklahoma City, OK 73118-7486
RODNEY WALTMAN 5904 TWIN BRANCH DR E Satsuma, AL 36572-2044
MARK MANLOVE 5980 CARDINET DR Clayton, CA 94517-1134
RICHARD B SHEETS 607 RIBAUT RD Fort Pierce, FL 34947-6132
JAMES H JONANSON 6100 219TH ST SW STE 390 Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043-6234
RONALD SWAINSON 614 SAN DIEGO AVE Daly City, CA 94014-1959
WALLACE E FIZER IMPRESARIO 618 TATESWOOD DR Lexington, KY 40502-2858
HARVEY JOHNSON IMPRESARIO 6200 E 105TH ST N Wagoner, OK 74467-7948
JEFFREY P JOHNSON6252 MOON RD Columbus, GA 31909-3841
LARRY MESSERLI 6550 YORK AVE S STE 517 Minneapolis, MN 55435-2336
LARRY HARRIS 6744 GARMIRE RD Meridian, CA 95957-9504
GARY JOSLYN 6957 RED FOREST LN Nampa, ID 83686-5376
WALLACE L MCLENDON 7012 SPENCER RD Tallahassee, FL 32312-3548
DONALD G MARSH 71 SHORE RD Gilford, NH 03249-6648
EDGAR C PROUTY JR728 MILO RD Sebec, ME 04481-3241
JAMES W KOCOT JR 76 BLUE RIDGE DR Somers, CT 06071-1027
GERALD C MASON 763 DANBY PAWLET RD Pawlet, VT 05761-9439
JOHN L GREGGERSON 7700 ALABAMA ST STE A El Paso, TX 79904-3161
MICHAEL R MCFARLIN7724 PINE CIR Omaha, NE 68124-1629
JIM DALE SWEARENGIN 7812 SAVAGE DR Kansas City, KS 66109-1158
JOHN REYNOLDS 8 REICHELT TER Ansonia, CT 06401-1116
THOMAS C NEIGHBORS 8 RIVERBEND CT Sheridan, WY 82801-9026
MABRY CANN WILLIAMS IMPRESARIO 836 TARA TRL Columbia, SC 29210-4929
JOAN TOOMEY SECRETARY 8665 ALVERNO AVE Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077-3529
JOSEPH J VEZZOSO JR 900 S MEADOW RD Evansville, IN 47714-0664
RICHARD B HUSTON94-439 PAPOLOHIWA ST Mililani, HI 96789-2728
DONALD P LINK IMPRESARIO 9436 LINDA DR Davison, MI 48423-1797
JAMES V PETERSON PO BOX 418 Monticello, AR 71657-0418
ARNOLD L BROWN IMPRESARIOPO BOX 490 New Bern, NC 28563-0490
WILLIAM A WEIR IMPRESARIO PO BOX 553 Clinton, SC 29325-0553
DENNIS G WEST PO BOX 608576 Orlando, FL 32860-8576
LONNIE M LUCE PO BOX 61997 San Angelo, TX 76906-1997
RICHARD D JAMES PO BOX 663 Meridian, MS 39302-0663
R WILLIAM STOLL PO BOX 686 South Bend, IN 46624-0686
JOSEPH S MONAGHAN JR TREASURER PO BOX 7603 Metairie, LA 70010-7603
CHARLEY SMITH PO BOX 92066 Nashville, TN 37209-8066
RONALD W ANDERSON 656 TROON DR SE Rio Rancho, NM 87124-2172
GUY T ALLEN 4699 COACHMAKER DR Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302-2228
DANIEL L OCHOCKI 6381 S ALLEN RD Foxboro, WI 54836-9466
DAVID B ROTT PO BOX 390 Fargo, ND 58107-0390
VERNON ELLIS 417 VERNA TRL N Fort Worth, TX 76108-4302
WALTER J BREAUX JR305 DRYDEN PL Port Arthur, TX 77642-8338
CHRIS MENEFEE JR 741 C NW 5TH AVE Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311-0000
ROBERT E ENO 15 FOX HILL RD Wethersfield, CT 06109-4127
LOUIS H JUERS 58 SCHOFIELD ST Bronx, NY 10464-1530
DAVID LEIPHEIUNER PO BOX 4513 Butte, MT 59702-4513
REGINALD D LAMB 15 CHEROKEE AVE Essex Junction, VT 05452-3555
CHARLES MILLER 100 CHALCOTT PL Summerville, SC 29485-5612
JOSEPH J VEDRA 12200 NEOWASH RD Whitehouse, OH 43571-9715
GORDON E HOYT 1255 HARBOR LAKE AVE Brea, CA 92821-2860
ROBERT H MACMARTIN IMPRESARIO 4 WESTLAND AVE Queensbury, NY 12804-1217
VICTOR GHAREEB 4432 CLOVERLEAF DR SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546-6221
ALEX ROGERS 5725 LIBERTY CROSSING DR Indianapolis, IN 46254-1114
LOUIS H JUERS IMPRESARIO 58 SCHOFIELD ST Bronx, NY 10464-1530
RONALD M ELLIOTT 5833 KILMER LN Indianapolis, IN 46250-1822
BILL W STEVENSON TREAS 7820 JENNIE ST Wichita, KS 67212-3536
G JAMES WEHRHEIM 805 MCKNIGHT PARK DR Pittsburgh, PA 15237-6504
SAMUEL D VAUGHAN JR PO BOX 11677 Durham, NC 27703-0677
MIKE JOHNS PO BOX 850 Deer Lodge, MT 59722-0850
MORRIS LANI BROUSSARD 503 ROSE DHU RD Savannah, GA 31419-3321
LEIGHTON R BURNS 258 GENESEE ST Utica, NY 13502-4635
INTERNATIONAL INC RONALD B PRUITT 5725 LIBERTY CROSSING DR Indianapolis, IN 46254-1114
H ROBERT CHRISTOPHER IMPRESARIO 1 MALIBU CT Towson, MD 21204-2047
GERALD PUTMAN 1 MARLAYNE DR Johnson City, NY 13790-5031
JOHN C PITTMAN 1001 NOR BATH BLVD Northampton, PA 18067-8909
JAMES L BELEW IMPRESARIO 1004 VILLAGE DR Pittsburg, KS 66762-3551
MORRIS W HICKMAN TREAS 1011 ELM HILL PIKE Nashville, TN 37210-3503
JOHN J MERRITT 10327 EDENDALE LN Cantonment, FL 32533-2909
VERNON D STEPHENS TREAS 104 GULINO AVE Camillus, NY 13031-2123
H PAUL CHURCHWELL IMPRESARIO 104 HOMBRE CIR Panama City Beach, FL 32407-2469
JAMES P VERDI 10513 SEVILLA DR APT 201 Fort Myers, FL 33913-7027
WILLIAM M CAMPBELL9814 S ARMSTRONG PL Terre Haute, IN 47802-9779
BRUCE M HOMA BALBOA PANAMA, 00000-0000
CHARLES R CAIN M DPO BOX 140265 Dallas, TX 75214-0265
DR THOMAS D PRYSE IMPRESARIO PO BOX 2468 Knoxville, TN 37901-2468
GLENN E GRIMES PO BOX 2677 Little Rock, AR 72203-2677
R A WEESE PO BOX 278 Sand Springs, OK 74063-0278
NELSON J MURRAY PO BOX 359 Hampton, NH 03843-0359
DAVID W GOODWIN PO BOX 387 Angola, IN 46703-0387
DON LINKPO BOX 396 Genesee, MI 48437-0396

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{"commentId":1478020,"authorDomain":"vernonhill"}

Sandy:
The Shriners have for many years led the public to believe that they were "an American
Sacred Cow" that took care of the cripple and burnt kids and the public always gave then
Millions of Dollars, years after year. Your investigative stories and the New York Times
have confirmed and documented that the Shriners Leaders in each and every Shriners Temple need to be investigated by the FBI, IRS, US Attorney, and if they have done wrong in any way, they
should be brought to justice by the laws of the United States. The same Shriners Leaders
prosecute their own members for asking questions about Finances. Where there is smoke, there is fire.
If I were a Shriner Leader, I would be a very nervous person wondering when the Feds were
going to visit with me. Keep up the excellent work.

{"commentId":1478020,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"vernonhill"}
  • 1 vote
Reply#1 - Sat Feb 16, 2008 2:35 PM EST
{"commentId":1480405,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

Well, at the very least, both organizations should be independently audited and publish the results. The real problem is that Shriners operate according to a set of laws that supersede the laws of the land and have done so for decades without anyone challenging them. This places them above the law and, more importantly, above non profit law AKA the IRS.

The other problem is that investigations of this magnitude take alot of man power as well as resources. The answer is pay off. What is the pay off for the agency or politician who might want to investigate these guys? Headlines? Huge fines? Then it gets more complicated because everyone has an agenda. The public should demand that investigators do their job without agenda to enforce the law and protect consumers from such non profit groups. Did I say consumers? It should be victims, to include the children who suffer and die in the hospitals, unsuspecting donors, faithful members who really think they are helping support the hospitals and the taxpayers.

Then there will be the battle of public opinion. It appears that when confronted with controversy, the Shriners spin machine begins to work overtime. Looks like they launched a $14 million spin campaign a few months ago. I don't think the Shriners could spin or schmooze their way out of tough questions asked by congressional committees or agencies like the IRS or FDA or OHRP or SEC. We saw that approach blow up in Roger Clemens face last week.

Remember, the crime is never as bad as the cover-up. This is where the Shriners have made some mistakes, by taking their treasurer's association minutes offline and the Jesters showing a sudden, uncharacteristic and unreported interest in Shakespeare.

Whoever steps up to the plate and says "Enough is enough" will have to have some big cahones. They will need to have the bigger, stronger and smarter dog in the fight because the Shriners have misused their charitable contributions to viciously wear down, intimidate and retaliate against those who report crimes instead of going after those who commit the crimes. Fortunately, all the tracks along the paper trails have been cast in cement and all authorities need to do is follow the path. I doubt any Shriner leader will do the right thing by going public and saying "Something is wrong and we will work hard to fix it." They are more likely to feign ignorance so they can say "It didn't happen on my watch."

Thanks for letting me share my opinion,

Sandy

{"commentId":1480405,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}
  • 1 vote
#1.1 - Sun Feb 17, 2008 2:01 PM EST
{"commentId":1575279,"authorDomain":"mph0523"}
mike-243297Deleted
Reply
{"commentId":1479749,"authorDomain":"b-young1932"}

If only the wives and family members knew what the Jesters are all about, I do not think in one's obituary, they would proudly state the deceased was a member of The Royal Order Of The Jesters. Keep up the exp[osure until the IRS and other governmental agencies investigate. Maybe the tax paying citizens will benefit.

{"commentId":1479749,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"b-young1932"}
  • 1 vote
Reply#2 - Sun Feb 17, 2008 7:03 AM EST
{"commentId":1480407,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

Thank you for your comments. At the end of the day, this is really about the Shriners' lack of non profit transparency, accountability and disclosure, for which we all pay.
Thanks,
Sandy

{"commentId":1480407,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}
  • 1 vote
#2.1 - Sun Feb 17, 2008 2:03 PM EST
Reply
{"commentId":1481344,"authorDomain":"gdavidcooksey"}
Masonic AvengerDeleted
{"commentId":1481363,"authorDomain":"gdavidcooksey"}
Masonic AvengerDeleted
{"commentId":1483376,"authorDomain":"gdavidcooksey"}

Its all true Here is a reply I received after posting your article:

"As far as the Jesters, when I worked at the Imperial Palace as a beverage manager I have memories of the parties that they have and trust me that is no joke. The party hard like that. Just a first hand account if you needed one."

{"commentId":1483376,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"gdavidcooksey"}
  • 1 vote
Reply#5 - Mon Feb 18, 2008 3:18 PM EST
{"commentId":1489560,"authorDomain":"docsavage09t"}
azrealDeleted
{"commentId":1490990,"authorDomain":"gdavidcooksey"}

Hmm... the AASRSJ Mobile, Al GAVE away their building which covered a half-city block for $200,000.00.

It was sold because the SGIG directed it sold. Valley of Mobile moved and started raising money to build a new temple smaller and in the style of a Blue Lodge. They raised $100,000.00. The Personal Representative for the Valley stole the money.
FACT look it up he was tried and convicted in federal court. The SGIG tried to keep a lid on it so the state-wide membership would not know what happened.
FACT the SGIG caused a major split in the Valley of Huntsville when he ordered the by-laws changed and gave them a copy of what he wanted passed. He caused many other related problems within the Valley and a major Blue Lodge supporter to the Valley.
FACT he did the same all over the state he ordered that his by-laws would be passed which gave him complete control of everything within each Valley. The Valley's can vote a line of officers and he has the power to say no I want these people in the line. Which he has done.
FACT the Valley of Huntsville Honor Court sent several letters to the Supreme Council about the SGIG and his activities. The GC formed an investigating committee of the SGIG's of FL, GA, TN and they reported back that he had did some wrong and the SGIG told the GC he would block all elections if they tried to do anything to him.
FACT The SGIG did his best to cause a split with SR and YR in Birmingham which he did. This was done in an effort to run off men of great character within the SR Honor Court so he could fill positions with yes men. The Valley of Birmingham has gone from 4500 members in 1993 to less than 1900 2005. Honor men that he ran off are now at YR committed men doing what they can for Masonry.
FACT The Valley of Birmingham at his direction put their building up for sale but could not sell it because he would not reply to many offers to buy. This Valley will be gone soon because of the declining membership and the lack of money to operate it. He steps on anyone he cannot completely control or asks him questions about their Valley. As the former Almonder said "Brothers ask about where your money is going" this great brother was treated less than human in open LOP by this SGIG this brother sadly left something he was committed to for over 50 years.
Is this what being a mainstream Mason is suppose to be? a destroyer a controller, a back stabber?

{"commentId":1490990,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"gdavidcooksey"}
    Reply#7 - Wed Feb 20, 2008 5:00 PM EST
    {"commentId":1491971,"authorDomain":"docsavage09t"}
    azrealDeleted
    {"commentId":1494111,"authorDomain":"docsavage09t"}
    azrealDeleted
    {"commentId":1500138,"authorDomain":"mph0523"}
    mike-243297Deleted
    {"commentId":1500426,"authorDomain":"ksma1"}

    Sir, You are doing nothing to support any of your views, or to negate any of Sandy Frost's views. I see that you are obviously upset over what she has written. I recommend that you either counter it with facts or research it to find someway to intelligently counter her arguement.

    Be a spokesman.

    {"commentId":1500426,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"ksma1"}
    • 1 vote
    Reply#11 - Sat Feb 23, 2008 1:19 PM EST
    {"commentId":1500851,"authorDomain":"gdavidcooksey"}

    The mainstream protectors are all narrow-minded, intolerant bigots he just proved how backwards mainstream Masons really are..

    {"commentId":1500851,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"gdavidcooksey"}
    • 1 vote
    Reply#12 - Sat Feb 23, 2008 4:17 PM EST
    {"commentId":1500866,"authorDomain":"gdavidcooksey"}

    Sandy has done the most through documentation on the misus of funds by the Shriners that has ever been done. Now the dots need to be connected with the whole truth; Grand Lodges, Blue Lodges, Scottish Rite most of the money raised by these groups go to themselves. Its just a matter of time until it all unravels the money, the self-interest, the racism, the bigotry....

    {"commentId":1500866,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"gdavidcooksey"}
    • 2 votes
    Reply#13 - Sat Feb 23, 2008 4:21 PM EST
    {"commentId":5939501,"authorDomain":"jndiii"}

    I am sorry that so many of you are uninformed who do you think supports without any source of repayment from their patients 22 hospitals located across the United States, it certainly not the Boy Scouts. It is unfortunate that you lump everyone into the same pot.

    John

    {"commentId":5939501,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"jndiii"}
      #13.1 - Sat Mar 14, 2009 7:15 PM EDT
      {"commentId":6467866,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

      John-962167,

      Thank you for your comments. I am sorry that so many of you are uninformed about the Shriners' secret sub-group and member's links to sex crimes.

      We'll know more when those two Jesters are sentenced on May 6 and 7.

      And it's unfortunate that you haven't read enough of my work to realize that I do not lump everyone into the same pot.

      Sandy

      {"commentId":6467866,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}
        #13.2 - Mon Apr 13, 2009 8:55 PM EDT
        Reply
        {"commentId":1503304,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

        Thank you all for taking the time to read these articles. This type of investigation takes so much research, documentation and verfication that I truly value your kind comments, observations and support.
        Sandy

        {"commentId":1503304,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}
        • 2 votes
        Reply#14 - Sun Feb 24, 2008 1:43 PM EST
        {"commentId":1550390,"authorDomain":"DarkKnight"}

        How can we look at your research as reliable when you intentionally slant the interpretation of the "Billiken" animation as "animating his 'thingy'."?

        It's obvious that it's a blinking belly-button, as high-lighted in other pictures on the same page and other locations. It is not his "thingy".

        By intentionally attempting to bias the reader in a negative way, you demonstrate that you cannot be trusted as an objective researcher/reporter on this topic. You may be indeed reporting facts, but because of this demonstrated bias the reader has to conclude you are simply expressing opinion...and that opinion may be wrong or have an agendum.

        Rightly or wrongly, that single minor act impugns the credibility of your entire article.

        {"commentId":1550390,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"DarkKnight"}
        • 2 votes
        Reply#15 - Fri Mar 7, 2008 6:37 AM EST
        {"commentId":1565174,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

        My explanation of an animated gif fails to discredit two investigative articles about the Jesters that have now been backed up by a front page story that ran in Sunday's Buffalo News that describes an FBI investigation into the Royal Order of Jesters for links to prostitution.
        Thank you for your comments.
        This discussion is ended.
        Sandy

        {"commentId":1565174,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}
        • 1 vote
        #15.1 - Tue Mar 11, 2008 12:17 PM EDT
        Reply
        {"commentId":1551829,"authorDomain":"stan-aztec"}

        Americans are sleep walking into their own coffins
        I know quite a few Americans most are ashamed of their Govt.
        They all feel helpless,overwhelmed and distraught.
        I don't blame them ,they are about to lose it all.

        {"commentId":1551829,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"stan-aztec"}
          Reply#16 - Fri Mar 7, 2008 1:18 PM EST
          {"commentId":1552128,"authorDomain":"isisish"}

          I'm interested in the facts, but not in slanted facts. Please allow us to draw the conclusions from objectively reported facts. Inflammatory writing helps no one.

          And this Billiken character -- what else can you show us other than photos of toys?

          ++++++

          {"commentId":1552128,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"isisish"}
          • 1 vote
          Reply#17 - Fri Mar 7, 2008 2:25 PM EST
          {"commentId":1580110,"authorDomain":"flotsuum"}

          How about copyright infringment. I pinched this from the web site of Saint Louis University, "Please Note: All images of the Billiken are registered trademarks. Approval from the Collegiate Licensing Company and Saint Louis University is required for usage." Think the Jesters licensed this image? Me either.

          {"commentId":1580110,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"flotsuum"}
          • 1 vote
          #17.1 - Fri Mar 14, 2008 11:57 PM EDT
          Reply
          {"commentId":1552216,"authorDomain":"craigsarizona"}

          She has many flaws in her reporting..not only of the Shriners. I still wonder what they did to her to make her soooo negative. Maybe she should spend her time going after the real criminals...the Indian casinos!

          {"commentId":1552216,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"craigsarizona"}
          • 1 vote
          Reply#18 - Fri Mar 7, 2008 2:50 PM EST
          {"commentId":1565199,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

          Further comments of a racist nature about any minorities will be deleted.
          Sandy

          {"commentId":1565199,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}
          • 1 vote
          #18.1 - Tue Mar 11, 2008 12:23 PM EDT
          Reply
          {"commentId":1552627,"authorDomain":"shadowmongoose72"}

          I can see where it may be seen as its thingy.Not by the brass bilikins but the animated one at the bottom.
          So attacking her for implying its a thingy is weak.Seems the Satan worshiping dirt bags are trying to make light of this article.Sorry sleaze bags but this is only a small bit of information on you and your secret societies.
          Yup we should go after the indian casino's and their nickel slots and such.Its not like they deserve a little compensation.After all it was the Illuminati (members of the government)That have broken every treaty ever made with them.More like go after the Mafia ran casino's in Nevada.

          {"commentId":1552627,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"shadowmongoose72"}
          • 1 vote
          Reply#19 - Fri Mar 7, 2008 4:46 PM EST
          {"commentId":1553001,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

          Again, thank you for your comments.
          Keep coming back.
          Sandy

          {"commentId":1553001,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}
          • 1 vote
          Reply#20 - Fri Mar 7, 2008 6:49 PM EST
          {"commentId":1553656,"authorDomain":"DarkKnight"}

          Cuda, I have absolutely no association with Shriners, don't even have any involved relatives that I know of.

          I did not "attack" the writing or the author. Attack is an extremely strong word. I critiqued the use of biased presentation in an investigatory article, and pointed out that once an author strays from simply presenting the evidence, the author loses credibility. By doing so, the author may even hurt the argument the author is trying to support.

          It is better for an investigatory author to present the facts and if one is presenting an opinion, then it should clearly be labeled as an opinion.

          The available EVIDENCE leads one to conclude the "thingy" is a belly-button, not the organ strongly implied by the article. To present it as anything but an innocuous belly-button incorrectly introduces negative bias. It calls upon a reader's potentially strong moral values to flavor the reader's interpretations. That is a method used by people trying to influence others via emotional tactics, not intellectual evaluations. That is not an acceptable manipulation in true investigatory reporting.

          {"commentId":1553656,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"DarkKnight"}
          • 2 votes
          Reply#21 - Fri Mar 7, 2008 11:17 PM EST
          {"commentId":1565083,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

          My interpretation of an animated gif is negative bias and cause to discredit my investigative reporting? According to an informal Masonic poll, 46% of those polled agree with me.
          Your comments are noted and this discussion is ended.
          Sandy

          {"commentId":1565083,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}
          • 1 vote
          #21.1 - Tue Mar 11, 2008 11:48 AM EDT
          Reply
          {"commentId":1555438,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

          Thanks to all of you who are so concerned with my integrity and credibility.
          And thanks for your observations on investigative journalism.
          If my work upsets you, don't read it.
          If you want to counter it, start your own Newsvine column. Then you can practice your own brand of journalism as so many of us do here and share your observations in the Newsvine group that is right for you.
          Here's a little secret.
          Writers write. Readers read. And my writing style is my own. If you want to write your own investigative articles according to your rules, then type away.
          In case you have not kept up with things, journalism is evolving as quickly as writers can publish their work online. I have been helping evolve new media journalism since 2001 and now am part of a hybrid news delivery system that is so hot that MSNBC bought Newsvine last October. I recommend that you read each and every one of the 24 articles that I have published. Then read the front page New York Times article about Shriner finances that ran a year ago. After that, it might dawn on you that this document-driven investigation is concerned with non profit transparency, disclosure and accountability.
          If you do this, then you might realize that you are directing your comments to the wrong person.
          You should question the Shriners and Jesters about what is and is not reported on their tax returns.
          And if you read my previous articles, you will realize that I was asked by Shriners to investigate the Shriners. This investigation does not target those Shriners who work hard to support the illusion that they are needed to raise money for the hospitals. This is not about the Shriner who has devoted decades to proudly support his fraternity. This is not about the Shriner gets up at zero dark thirty to put on clown make up to put a smile on the face of a badly burned child. This is not about the Shriner who cleans up around his club or temple. This is not about the Shriner who works hard to support the fraternity and wears his red fez with pride.
          This is about those who use their positions of public trust for private gain. This is about those who know about crime in the temples and clubs yet fail to prosecute it because they don't want their names in the newspapers. This is about those who raise tens of thousands of dollars for the hospitals and fail to report it on their tax returns. This is about those who silence, punish and sue those members who allege crime instead of prosecuting those who commit the crimes. This is about those who use charitable donations for personal mortgages without declaring this on the non profit corporation's tax returns. This is about fraternal groups who violate civil rights law by including members according to racial and sexual discrimination. This is about those who are sworn to uphold the law but in the face of ongoing crime, turn their heads to protect the brotherhood. This is about those who advise Shriners to violate HIPPA laws. This is about those who operate the Shriners hospitals with such little oversight that they are sent warning letters from the FDA and Office of Human Research Protection because of repeated violations. This is about those who party at tax payer expense.
          If you read this entire series, you may then, like so many others, demand accountability and that these Masonic groups return to the basic principles that each person practice self control, that each person be a good citizen and obey the law, that honor and integrity are essential to life and that it is important to make the world a better place to live.
          Until then, try move beyond your knee jerk reactions and attempts to discredit as you defend against that which was exposed and documented in these last two articles about the Royal Order of Jesters. Thank you,
          Sandy

          {"commentId":1555438,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}
          • 1 vote
          Reply#22 - Sat Mar 8, 2008 2:23 PM EST
          Reply
          {"commentId":1561688,"authorDomain":"dherbeck"}

          Sandy...I am a reporter with the Buffalo News in Buffalo, NY. We are looking into a recent incident involving the Jesters. I don't know much about the organization. If you can contact me, I would truly appreciate. And if anyone else reading this post has information that they think I should be aware of -- either positive or negative about the Jesters; I want to hear both sides -- please contact me at dherbeck@buffnews.com.

          Sandy, your research on this issue is very interesting...Thanks, Dan Herbeck, Buffalo News

          {"commentId":1561688,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"dherbeck"}
          • 1 vote
          Reply#23 - Mon Mar 10, 2008 2:11 PM EDT
          {"commentId":1564417,"authorDomain":"countrycouple222m"}

          Ms. Frost I have read your article, and decided to do some digging on my own because the points you make were somewhat discomforting to me. The first gid I did was to follow the link in your article to the website for the Royal Order of Jesters. What I don't understand is you say the organization is secret and claims to be a charity. But their web site claims otherwise. here is a quote straight from their web site,

          "The Royal Order of Jesters proudly believe and participate in Masonry.

          Whereas most Masonic bodies are dedicated to charity, The Royal Order of Jesters is a fun "degree", with absolutely no serious intent. The motto, 'Mirth is King," is sufficient to give voice to the purpose of the organization. The Royal Order of Jesters feel that there are times, after our hard work and dedication to family and mankind, everyone should remember to laugh and appreciate the good work you have done.

          The original meeting resulting in the formation was held on February 20, 1911, by Shriners on a pilgrimage to Aloha Temple, Hawaii, in the Captain's office of the "S.S. Wilhelmina." Noble A.M. Ellison of San Francisco, California, was responsible and the original cast included a Director and thirteen members. It was organized June 25th, 1917, at an informal meeting. Jesters are made from members of the Shrine in good standing, membership is by invitation only, not application."

          There is no claim in this statement of being a charitble organization nor anything other than a group of people who get together for fun and friendship? Where in this are they misleading anybody?

          As for applying for tax exempt status, I am would know nothing about what there motives are other than to reduce their tax liability. Now be honest is that not the motive of most hard working Americans?

          I know nothing about you as a person, but it seems you have a personal agenda with this group. Ok fine!
          Please be honest however, dont pretend you are doing a public service by writting what appears to a thinly disguised attempt to sway public opinion of something or someone for your personal reasons.

          {"commentId":1564417,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"countrycouple222m"}
            Reply#24 - Tue Mar 11, 2008 8:46 AM EDT
            {"commentId":1565050,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

            If you go to Guidestar.org you will find tax returns the Royal Order of Jesters, both charitable and fraternal. You would think that a charitable group would be proud of their status and would work hard to get donations, but, as you so clearly point out, the ROJ home page does not mention that they are also a charity. Today's nonprofit groups strive to embrace best practices by dedicating themselves to the highest standards of disclosure, transparency and accountability. In an effort to do so, they will post things like their charter, bylaws, articles of incorporation, financials to include tax returns, a donor bill of rights, organizational structure and their policies on ethics, diversity and governance. Neither the Shriners or Royal Order of Jesters do so.
            This article is a natural part of my investigation into the Shriners and if you read the entire investigation or at least my recent article entitled "Two Years On," you will see that my main concern is non profit accountability, transparency and accountability. If you take the time to read the Buffalo News front page story that ran this last Sunday, you will read how the FBI is investigating the Royal Order of Jesters for links to prostitution. If the Royal Order of Jesters is such a stand up organization, why did a former Supreme Court justice resign after the newspaper reported that he, his law cleark and a retired police captain were being investigated by the FBI for allegedly taking a "female massage parlor employee in a motor home to a gathering of members of a nationwide group called the Royal Order of Jesters." The comment before yours is from Dan Herbeck, one of the journalists who wrote the story. Sunday and Monday, his was the most popular story according to Buffalo News polls. Today, it's the paper's fourth most popular. My latest article describes how 19 members of the Royal Order of Jesters have been called in a federal court case to testify about their first hand knowlege of illegal drugs and child prostitution in relation to a fishing trip they took to Brazil, written off at tax payer expense. Since publishing this article last Thursday, its newsworthiness has been proven as nearly 15,000 have read over 20,500 pages. Before posting any more comments of this nature, accusing me of some sort of personal agenda, do your homework and read this entire series. Then get a hold of Dan Herbeck and the management of the Buffalo News and question them about their personal agenda. Then call the FBI agent named in the article, Paul Moskal, and ask him about his personal agenda. The question that you should be asking is "Should the Royal Order of Jesters be afforded the luxuries of non profit status for the purposes of, according to the Buffalo News, transporting prostitutes across state lines so they can party at tax payer expense?"
            If you think this type of behavior is ok, fire off a letter to the editor of the Buffalo News. Oh, and make sure to question them about their personal agenda.
            Sandy

            {"commentId":1565050,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}
            • 1 vote
            #24.1 - Tue Mar 11, 2008 11:40 AM EDT
            {"commentId":1641333,"authorDomain":"jkg4902"}

            Sandy,

            I can see no way the Brazillian trip could have been tax deductable. What evidence might you have that the trip was considered a charitable deduction?

            {"commentId":1641333,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"jkg4902"}
            • 1 vote
            #24.2 - Mon Mar 31, 2008 6:20 PM EDT
            {"commentId":1641371,"authorDomain":"jkg4902"}

            Sandy,

            You seem to be suggesting the Jesters may have improperly claimed an IRS status as being both fraternal and charitable. I am not a member of the Jesters and know no one who is. However by eading the web sote of the ROJ I see no reason why they would not be both a fraternal and a charitible organization... that is have both classifications in two related organizations. The Jesters clearly are fraternal to that there shoudl be no question. As far as having a legitimate charitable purpose the museum certainly qualifies them for that. However your statements elsewhere that dues or travel expenses to their events are deductible is an error. I see only gifts to their museum are clearly deductible.

            {"commentId":1641371,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"jkg4902"}
            • 1 vote
            #24.3 - Mon Mar 31, 2008 6:35 PM EDT
            Reply
            {"commentId":1575098,"authorDomain":"mph0523"}
            mike-243297Deleted
            {"commentId":1575102,"authorDomain":"mph0523"}
            mike-243297Deleted
            {"commentId":1595420,"authorDomain":"genuflex007"}

            I enjoy these articles for their insight, Sandy. I have friends (6) who are Mason's and Shriner's (have no idea if any are Jester's) and have spoken informally about this information. Their take on it is that EVERY organization has its bad apples but don't feel that the corrupt activity of a few has been institutionalized - at least not to the extent that you have written. They continue to work hard at raising money for the Children's Hospitals donating 100% of whatever money they raise at a charitable event. To a man they all stated they do NOT write off any dues to any masonic organization as a tax deduction for income tax purposes. They didn't believe they could do that. As for this Jester's orgainization - the impression I got from them is they have heard of it (maybe some even belong), but that, for the most part, it is an organization that is non-masonic and has nothing to do with the shrine or masons beyond having membership in those two organizations as part of its requirement for initiation. Their weak analogy was 'similar to requiring being over 50 to be a member of AARP' or 'being a college graduate to get certain jobs.'

            Continue the good effort, Sandy. Your articles are interesting to read insofar as shaking up a staid institution that, many feel, has outlived its usefulness to young men (hence the reason most of these guys are in their 70's and 80's!). From my very limited research they don't exactly reach out to guys in their 20's or 30's!

            {"commentId":1595420,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"genuflex007"}
            • 1 vote
            Reply#27 - Wed Mar 19, 2008 6:16 AM EDT
            {"commentId":1604011,"authorDomain":"cemab4y"}

            I am a Shriner (inactive). I have never been a Jester. I believe that you have only scratched the surface. Please keep up the good work.

            {"commentId":1604011,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"cemab4y"}
            • 1 vote
            Reply#28 - Fri Mar 21, 2008 6:56 AM EDT
            {"commentId":1607357,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

            Thank you. I think that the FBI has picked up the ball and is running with it. Actually, I think that the Buffalo News has reported that the FBI has been investigating this prostitution case for nearly a year and a half? At this point, it's difficult to know what is going on behind the scenes but after the retired police chief/captain pled guilty to a felony related to transporting prostitutes across state lines to Jesters party's, I think that that judge Tills and his law clerk Stebick will now spill their guts and surrender to the mercy of the courts. Things are definitely going to heat up and I think that within the next three months, other journalists will smell the blood in the water and will begin their own digging.
            The Jesters have always been the Shriners/Masons weak link. How long can their leaders claim "It's an isolated incident" and "We don't do this type of thing"? At this point, I suspect that records are being destroyed but emails are permanently stored on servers and there are paper trails leading to who paid whom how much when and why?
            Once the feds match up what Trowbridge tells them with what Tills and Stebick tell them and they know where to look, it's just a matter of time before this house of cards tumbles down.
            Thanks again,
            Sandy

            {"commentId":1607357,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}
            • 1 vote
            #28.1 - Sat Mar 22, 2008 1:09 AM EDT
            Reply
            {"commentId":1644378,"authorDomain":"phillip39"}

            Sandy , I am a proud Freemason , but I abhor the antics of the Shrine , or should I say some of it's members . I am an outspoken critic of the Shrine and I believe it's time that we (Freemasonry) break it's ties with the Shrine . I'm personally tired of the black eyes we receive from their childish activities , and hearing from people when they find out that I'm a Mason " Boy , you guys throw some wild parties out there at the Shrine " . Keep up the good work posting the truth and maybe we(freemasons) can put enough pressure on the Shrine that they will break away from our Fraternity .

            {"commentId":1644378,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"phillip39"}
            • 2 votes
            Reply#29 - Tue Apr 1, 2008 2:22 PM EDT
            {"commentId":2013657,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

            I was wondering of any pressure had been put on the Shriners after the Grand Masters' conference?
            If the Shrine does break away, it may be to protect the Royal Order of Jesters.
            Thanks for your comments,
            Sandy

            {"commentId":2013657,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}
              #29.1 - Fri Jun 20, 2008 4:15 PM EDT
              Reply
              {"commentId":1815485,"authorDomain":"bank4096"}

              "Billiken" who, when shown animated online, appears to have his, uh, thingy popping up and down as he blinks.

              Sandy-

              It's not want you think it is that pops up when Biliken when he blinks, its a Jewel in his bellybutton! If you read on the same page as your link leads, it will tell you the story of Biliken.

              If you are going to do your reporting, better get your facts right before you mislead others. Just a suggestion.

              AJ
              Not a member of ROJ

              {"commentId":1815485,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"bank4096"}
              • 1 vote
              Reply#30 - Sun May 18, 2008 3:43 PM EDT
              {"commentId":2013640,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

              Again, my interpretation of an animated gif is not misleading.
              Sandy

              {"commentId":2013640,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}
              • 1 vote
              #30.1 - Fri Jun 20, 2008 4:13 PM EDT
              Reply
              {"commentId":1891195,"authorDomain":"disgusted"}

              I'd like to know if the Jester's are an associate or a sister club to "The Emporer's club" and how many other clubs are under the protective Umbrella???

              I'd also like to know more about the rings of judges and attorney's, court appointed social workers, psychologists, and Law Guardians that are orchestrating child custody switching to abusive dads who exploit their own children sometimes into kiddie porn, etc. NYS seems to have a few issues with over-confidence, but of course NYS is just one of the many.

              I'm betting that there is a strong association between the Male Supremacist - Fathers Rights movement including the former HHS-ACF Wade Horn, and the long list of cronies who profit on feeding our children to the wolves, then severely punishing the protective mothers for fighting for their kids. I'm also betting that there are governors involved who'd make Elliot Spitzer look like a clean boyscout compared to their hidden agenda. Matter of fact one could start looking seriously at the governors who support the fraudulent PAS - parental alienation cover theory for child sexual abuse created by pedophile psychiatrist --- Richard Gardner who advocated pedophilia, incest and whatever deviant stuff these guys can dream up. Gardner's not the only one either, there are lots of psycho - or pseudo psychologists & psychiatrists out there who participate in the clubs; there is alot of money in it !!

              {"commentId":1891195,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"disgusted"}
              • 1 vote
              Reply#31 - Wed Jun 4, 2008 11:31 AM EDT
              {"commentId":1932355,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

              Anita,
              You might be interested to read the article I wrote about the depositions provided by two fishing guides. It can be found here. One of the fishing guides alleged that the "Masons" requested girls as young as 13.
              Thank you for your comments,
              Sandy

              {"commentId":1932355,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}
              • 1 vote
              #31.1 - Tue Jun 10, 2008 12:27 PM EDT
              Reply
              {"commentId":1956976,"authorDomain":"amyjones"}

              Ms. Frost-

              Before creating A LOT of negativeness about the 'Jester's' and their stupid acts, please look at what they do DO, for the kids, for their community, as well as each other. They offer support (finncially AND socially AND emotionally), they understand that WITHOUT their wives ("ladies") these 'Jester's' are NOTHING!! I do not for ONE second condone their behavior, I find most of it apaulling, but as a lady of a 'Jester', I do FEEL it is a neccessary outlet for the men of their organizations. I totally agree that 'Mason's' who "Request" women (or in some cases CHILDREN) are bringing shame, disgrace and ludicrious behavior to an otherwise respectable organization! I have seen Shriner's do GREAT work and while YOUR facts are overshadowing it, you should be commended on doing A LOT of long hare hours of research, however Ms. Frost, this is America and I have a right (as an American) to disagree with you, and not only READ your article, but post my OPINIONS. I suggest you go to one of the Shriners burn hospitals as well as one of the orthopedic hospitals (they are ALL over the U.S.A.) and then and only THEN can you get on your high horse about the ickyness of the people and make certain that all the organizations assocaited with the 'Shriner's' and the 'Mason's'. The organizations are more than just the illegal behavior they are accused of, ACCUSED of-they are innocent until proven guilty (despite the hard facts).

              Thank you for your time. Respectfully yours,
              Amy J

              {"commentId":1956976,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"amyjones"}
                Reply#32 - Fri Jun 13, 2008 1:59 PM EDT
                {"commentId":1966271,"authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}

                Thank you for your comments Amy.
                Yes, you are right, the Shriners do good things. This is about those who don't.
                This investigation has gone from investigating the possibilities of widespread tax fraud and corruption and retaliation against those who demand accountability to the fact that Shriner leaders are members of a group linked to prostitution and child sex tourism via the federal court system.
                The courts and law enforcement are doing their jobs as they pursue those who violate these laws, regardless of their fraternal and charitable affiliations. One can't hide behind the children after being caught by the FBI for driving prostitutes across state lines to Jester parties. One can't tell a federal judge they won't testify about their first hand knowledge of illegal drugs and minor prostitution while on a fishing trip to Brazil because they help burned and crippled children get free medical care.
                Law enforcement and the courts won't minimize or excuse criminal behavior because the suspect is a do-gooder, though this is what you and others seem to suggest.
                It is my job to report on what is happening in the courts and with law enforcement.
                If I don't do my job, how will you or anyone else know about the Jesters involvement with prostitution and the possibility that some of them might be involved with child sex tourism?
                This comment section is for those who want to comment on specifics found in each pertinent article. If you wish to make comments, point out specifics instead of telling me how good the Shriners are or telling me about your rights to post your opinion or telling me about being on some high horse.
                Your comments need to stick to the code of conduct. Your comments need to stick to the article at hand.
                If you created a Newsvine account to just make comments about my articles and give me your opinions, then you are defeating the purpose of signing up to become a member of this community.
                If you want the world to know how good the Shriners are, then populate your Newsvine column with articles of this type.
                Having said that, you need to either read this entire investigation or read my article "Two Years On." Then you can write well-informed comments that are based on the information presented because you actually know what this investigation has found.
                And make sure that you write to those at the Buffalo News who have been reporting about the Jesters FBI prostitution story and tell them the same things you just told me.
                You don't want to seem like you're singling me out, right?
                Thank you,
                Sandy

                {"commentId":1966271,"threadId":"220652","contentId":"1304754","authorDomain":"SandyFrost"}
                • 1 vote
                Reply#33 - Sat Jun 14, 2008 9:38 AM EDT
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