I-TEAM: Officer Anthony Dia Foundation under investigation

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - The 13 Action News I-TEAM has learned of a state investigation into the now-defunct Officer Anthony Dia Foundation.

That’s the organization dedicated to the memory of slain Toledo Police officer Anthony Dia, killed in the line of duty in July of 2020. Ohio’s Attorney General is in the middle of taking a closer look at the organization.

The 13 Action News I-TEAM learned from a Facebook post late last year that Tony Dia, the father of Officer Anthony Dia, would dissolve the foundation he started. A follow-up post raised concerns that some people have had about the foundation for years.

A chance at a brand new Harley Davidson, while supporting a great cause seemed like a great idea for Kelly Frankhart. She bought a single raffle ticket for $100 benefiting the Officer Anthony Dia Foundation in 2022. A drawing that never ended up happening.

The foundation posted on Facebook that due to a lack of sales, people could be refunded their money, could use that ticket toward a gun raffle, or consider the ticket money a donation. Frankhart asked for a refund. It wasn’t an easy process.

“It got hinky because then instead of answering me on the page, I got a private message. From someone I don’t even know,” Frankhart said.

The I-TEAM asked how long it took Frankhart to get a refund.

“From start to finish, I’d probably say a good six months or better,” Frankhart said.

She learned of the Officer Anthony Dia Foundation’s end on Facebook like everyone else. Frankhart long questioned the organization amid issues with the raffle and refund. A few days after the announcement of the closing came another post. The post cited things like financial constraints, Tony Dia, officer Dia’s father, said it is no longer feasible for the foundation to continue its operations.

Another part of the message stood out: “I also want to address a misunderstanding that occurred during the foundation’s journey. In the early stages, I mistakenly assumed that the foundation automatically held 501 (c) (3) status. I later discovered that this was not the case, and I sincerely apologize for any confusion or misinformation that may have resulted from my error.”

The I-TEAM checked the IRS website, there was no record of the “Officer Anthony Dia Foundation” as a 501(c) 3 non-profit.

We asked more questions and got a major bombshell from Ohio’s Attorney General and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation or BCI. When the I-TEAM requested communication connected to the foundation, we got nothing, except this statement explaining why: “At this time any BCI records potentially responsive to your request are investigatory work product in a criminal law enforcement matter than has not concluded, and are therefore confidential law enforcement investigatory records.”

That message signals an investigation into the foundation by the Attorney General.

When asked for further clarification, an Attorney General spokesman would only say: “We cannot comment on or confirm the existence of ongoing investigations.”

The foundation started in 2020 after Officer Dia’s death. According to its Facebook page, the goal was to “provide support and assistance to all first responders and their families with a focus on youth and community outreach programs.”

In its closing message the foundation said it helped several families in need, and even covered funeral expenses for families 13 Action News has documented some of its work. The foundation bought a building on Douglas Road near Laskey and transformed it into a boxing gym. In 2021 some kids got easter baskets thanks to the foundation and Hidden Treasures 419.

The I-TEAM made several attempts over several weeks to get Tony Dia’s side of all this.

Toledo attorney Jeffrey Zilba reached out to the I-TEAM Tuesday evening with the message, “We’re cooperating with any investigation.” Zilba says he represents Tony Dia.

We don’t yet know what exactly the Attorney General’s office is examining. We’re left with this phrase from the AG’s office: “Criminal law enforcement matter.”

“That makes a black mark on anybody who’s trying to be giving in my opinion,” Frankhart said.

The Toledo Police Department said in a statement: “We respectfully decline to provide comment.”

The Toledo Police Patrolman’s Association also declined comment.

Also, on Tuesday evening, a Facebook post from Jayme Dia, Officer Dia’s widow. In that post, Jayme Dia said she has never been associated with the foundation. She said she has done nothing but good in Anthony Dia’s name. She also said the news headlines are in no way a representation of herself or their children.