GRIFTER ALERT: Monroeville, Alabama & Vicinity

GROVE HILL, AL   Mac McQuown continues to press forward at a turtle's pace on his fraudulent, donation-funded walk across America.  To date, his lack of transparency and honesty about his route, his location or full disclosure of gifts, services and monetary donations has been absolutely ZERO.  Generally speaking, those who are performing acts of altruism for the benefit of others have been completely transparent about their projects, but McQuown continues to not only provide zero information but claims that doing so will encourage his "haters" to warn the public about his fraud.

The evidence is out there.  All you have to do is Google McQuown's name or his previous endeavors to see just how fraudulent they were and how far he will go to deceive others while using the plight of US soldiers and veterans as his marketing platform to fatten his wallet.

McQuown was investigated by the State of Florida last year, and was told that he may not solicit donations unless he is registered to do so.  This has not stopped McQuown from asking for assistance on his donor funded vacation across America.  In fact, less than 3 hours ago he posted this from his Facebook:

Many of you know last Friday I was Not up to par to do any walking. I woke up last Friday with a Thundering Head ache, very upset stomach. Felt over heated. At times dizzy & weak. But I pushed on and wanted to walk that day anyway. Well Though my mind said yes my body would have no part of it. It took me 2 hours to walk 1 mile. So I had to swallow my pride and put my stubborn nature aside and do the Safe thing. I reached out to all of you for help. Many of you said prayers for me which I absolutely appreciate , others send encouraging and kind words to me which was also wonderful. A couple of you stepped up and helped with getting a motel room and one of you paid for 2 nights and in addition provided a little more so that I could get some food.

Two hours to walk a mile?  That's nothing unusual for him as he has traveled no more than 500 miles in two months.  It would take a man 157 hours on foot to walk from his starting point to his current position in Grove Hill, Alabama.  

To date McQuown has been on the road 1,656 hours and has moved on foot only 157 hours.  You do the math!  This man is not serious about his "walk".  This is the THIRD one that he has attempted that hasn't been shut down yet because people caught onto his fraud and alerted other communities.  

McQuown has NO pride.  His entire venture is funded by donors -- he does NOT PERSONALLY FUND THIS HIMSELF.  So, his no pride having self reaches out to churches and others who have no clue that they are assisting a fraud for help.  

This isn't the first time McQuown has "reached out to all of you" for a motel room or other donations.  Again, he is NOT funding this himself so his entire walk is based on solicitation of donations.  

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McQuown Still Can't Offer Transparency

For three years MacMcQuown has claimed to be taking various "walks" for the benefit of homeless veterans and his 2015 venture "to write a book", and in every single endeavor he has been asked to prove where the funds are going.  McQuown has failed every single time to provide transparency to those he refers to as his "haters".

Since he started his walk on May 4, 2015 he hasn't gotten out of the state of Florida.  Once again, it appears as though his walk is just another donor funded vacation across America.

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McScammer McQuown Already Asking for Hotel Stays

Leonard Mac McQuown has been "on the road"  for LESS than 2 weeks and is already soliciting others for hotel accommodations.  Who didn't see this coming?

McQuown began his walk on May 4, 2015 and his sister Sunshine lives in the area local to the

Days Inn Silver Springs/Ocala East | Silver Springs, FL hotel which he was asking people to help with payment for a night's accommodation.  He could have gotten a ride to his sister's home and spent the night there, but again, McQuown thinks that he is on a vacation across America at the expense of others who buy into his homeless veterans scam.  

Per his website, he did see his sister, Sunshine, who is also allegedly complicit in his scam.

McQuown claims on May 11, 2015 via his salutesandstories.com blog:

05/11/2015 THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS : Though I had plans to camp out tonight some kind folks have offered for me to sleep on their screened in back porch. So no skeeter bites lol. Today's walk was a great one..Hot as heck many many hills but a successful walk over all. Semper Fi

 Considering he asked for payment from people for a hotel stay, it is quite obvious that he had not planned on "camping out" as he already claimed in his plea for a hotel stay that his camping spot fell through. 

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salutesandstories.com Walk Hits a Roadblock

It looks like Leonard Mac McQuown's latest walk of fraud has hit a roadblock.  His walking partner, Vickie James, has allegedly abandoned the salutesandstories.com fraud across America.  This was grabbed from the Mac McQuown Marine Deserter Facebook page today.

Vickie James Jumps Ship

It has been documented time and time again that McQuown's intentions are not honorable and he is not walking to benefit homeless veterans.  We are sorry that Vickie James got involved with him, but it once again goes to show that he is willing to swindle anyone - even someone he calls a friend - in order to line his own dishonorable pockets.

Since he began his walk last week, he has posted absolutely nothing with regard to location or what route his walk will take him.  There is a reason he does this and that is to keep those who are vigorously working in the background to shut him down from having information to contact local law enforcement and other agencies about his nefarious intentions.

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Walking is Expensive Work

All that walking has caused McQuown to be laid up in a hotel in Beaumont.  He posted a photo of his knee injury caused by a "dog" over the weekend, but hasn't explained how he managed to WALK 30 miles on a sprained knee carrying a cart behind him.  Doesn't make sense, does it?  NOTHING McQuown does except the very obvious:  He is using the plight of homeless veterans to fund his vacation across America.

In March 2013 McQuown was spotted in Georgia.  It would appear that he hasn't made much progress in a year on his "walk".

Article here: http://archive.13wmaz.com/news/article/224202/153/Walking-Marine-Honors-Vets-But-Is-Trailed-By-His-Past and video for your viewing pleasure.

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Operation Walk America = FRAUD

CONFIRMED: McQuown DID NOT give a donation to Raven's Outreach as he told his supporters.  The donation was obviously made to appear legitimate with his donations received.

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Walking? Or Driving...You Decide

Over the weekend Leonard McQuown stated that he was in Texas, but once again failed to pinpoint his location.  The kind and generous souls who support him do not question him because in their minds, like the rest of us, it is hard to fathom that someone would use the plight of our homeless veterans for personal financial gain.  He also skirted the questions regarding his three day stay at the Red Oak Inn in DeQuincy, LA when he claimed to be walking during the time he was staying in the motel paid for by donations of others.  Also of note, TO DATE the fraud he committed with Raven's Outreach homeless veterans organization has NOT been rectified, nor has it been addressed by McQuown.

On April 13, 2014 McQuown stated that he was taking the whole weekend off.

Today McQuown posted this on his Facebook page:  How did McQuown get there if he took the entire weekend off and was last seen in Orange, TX?  Why is he covering his movements if he is in fact a LEGITIMATE operation?

He has made his way into Beaumont, and again the question is posed:  IF McQuown is a legitimate walking charity, WHY is he not being transparent in his movements and his actions? One would think that transparency would negate the cloud of suspicion hanging over him.  While it is not known if McQuown has committed a criminal act - that is to be decided by the state Attorney Generals of the states he travels through, but let there be NO DOUBT that Leonard McQuown is not only MORALLY BANKRUPT, but is an ethical criminal preying on the hearts and wallets of genuinely good people who wish to make the world a better place via their donations and support.

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Severe Weather Excuse

Hey Leonard...what about all of the other days that you haven't walked?  What is your excuse for that?  While you are holed up in the confines of a warm home courtesy of unsuspecting kind souls while screaming out your "solemn vow" the REAL HOMELESS vets are getting rained on, going hungry and doing without while you trek across the state of Louisiana taking handouts that benefit ONE person.  YOU.

WHY haven't provided the information regarding the PayPal fiasco - you remember that one?  You requested a refund of a donation to a veteran's outreach just so you could screenshot your pretend donation to appease those who were asking questions.  Rather than send Raven's Outreach a money order and make things right, weeks later you still have not been transparent.  Remember that as well?  You solemnly vowed (again...second verse same as the first) that you would be completely transparent in 2014 and have receipts for everything.

You are a con, Leonard and it is our solemn vow that your fraud across America will be stopped.

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Don't Ask for Receipts

"Documentation and/or receipts of monies raised in the year of 2013 through Operation Veteran Storm DO NOT EXIST.  The testimonies from those assisted through "Operation Veteran Storm" which are shown above is the proof that these deeds were done through trial and error I have learned a better way to keep official records of funds raised.  Starting in January 2014 any and all funds raised will have with them official receipts and documentation."

Well, here it is the third month of 2014 and McQuown has failed to properly document ANYTHING.  Even in light of all the controversy that has surrounded his "walk" for months, McQuown continues to operate under a curtain of suspicion.  Why is that?  ...unless the allegations are true.

McQuown is developing a well-documented history of impropriety from false donations to using the photographs of unknown women online in order to perpetrate fraud.

DOCUMENTED FRAUD:

Original news article: http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/THE-CHRONICLE-SEASON-OF-SHARING-FUND-SANTA-ROSA-2572881.php

McQuown's use of the photograph claimed that he knew this woman and that she had been injured while serving in the Army.

Would you trust this man to donate monies earned while "walking"?  Why isn't his fundraising transparent?  

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Deserter Deflection: His Facebook Wall His Rules

McQuown left his post for 200 days while a Sergeant in the USMC.  He abandoned his post and left without permission which resulted in an other than honorable discharge.  For years he LIED about his prior service record, and when exposed he continued to embellish his service record.  Now McQuown feels that he has the right to make demands of those he requests donations from by refusing to "reply, comment or for that matter even acknowledge any and all comments and/or questions regarding [his] past military record and/or prior civilian criminal record".

Let's take an honest look at this new demand.  First, McQuown has a FRAUDULENT past via the receipt of monies or services that he did not pay for.  He has been accused of taking $80,000 by an individual for his Project Foot which the State of Virginia warned consumers NOT to donate to because of the lack of transparency and non-existence of proper 501(c)(3) documentation with the state.  He has been accused of and proven to have made a donation to Raven's Outreach only to request a refund from PayPal two hours later.  He took back money to avoid spending that money on homeless veterans who need it -- which his whole purpose for walking is supposed to be about. McQuown has a duty and legal responsibility to maintain proper records and document exactly where the money he receives is being channeled.  Thus far, he has not.

McQuown claims to want to be "in tune with the homeless veterans he is helping".  How is sleeping in a warm bed at night being "in tune" with the homeless?  How is deciding whether you want to walk in the rain being "in tune" with the homeless?

he’ll sleep in a motel, thanks to someone offering to pay for it. When he started his trip, he tried to sleep at fire stations. But now, McQuown often sleeps outdoors, weather permitting, or in his tent so he can be in tune with the homeless veterans he is helping.

Sponsors and donors are supporting his travels, which began 2½ years ago in Virginia and will continue for another six years. He was living with his sister in Florida before starting the extreme road trip, and he said his family “has been behind me 110 percent. … I’ve always had that extra adventurous gene in me,” and his family realizes that and is supportive.

http://www.thetowntalk.com/article/20140221/NEWS01/302210028/Ex-Marine-walking-15-000-miles-behalf-homeless-veterans

He is now refusing to discuss his past but still wants innocent, unknowing public to donate to his "walk"?  The more McQuown refuses to speak the more guilty of being a con-artist he appears to be.  He should be 100% transparent and want to show proof of his donations because of all of the allegations of impropriety.  Instead, he parties in New Orleans - more than an hour in the opposite direction of his walk.  How far has McQuown actually walked this month?  He has claimed that he is sleeping outside for the homeless vets, but that hasn't stopped him from holing up in hotels for days and weeks at a time to begin his "walk" again when it suits him.

Do your research on this grifter before you give him your money and demand that he provide documentation for all expenses and donations accepted while on his fraudulent walk across America.

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McQuown the Fraudster

Mac McQuown was recently in Bunkie, Louisiana on his "walk" that he claims benefits homeless veterans.  McQuown claims that he sleeps outside in a tent so he can embrace the feeling of homelessness and honor homeless veterans.  How many homeless veterans do you know that shack up at the expense of good Samaritans at the local Howard Johnson hotel? None.  Because they can't afford such luxuries.

McQuown claimed to be in his tent but stayed at the hotel for several days.   During his vacation in Bunkie, McQuown posted screenshots of his donation to Raven's Outreach homeless project.  However, as always with McQuown the donation came with a caveat...to request a refund after 2 hours.  NO MONEY was donated to Raven's Outreach.  NONE.  NADA. ZILCH.  Within two hours he contacted PayPal to request a refund of his $250.00 donation.

A volunteer at Raven's Outreach posted documentation that McQuown had indeed requested a refund.  Don't look for this on his Facebook page - it has been cleansed of any negative information.  When cornered he screams out virus, hackers, or anything to take the heat off of what really went down. He tried to defraud his audience AGAIN.

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Walking veteran called a fraud

BATON ROUGE - As Mac McQuown walked to the steps of Capitol today, he expected to meet some friends, show his patriotism, and raise awareness about homeless veterans, but what he got was a confrontation with an angry veteran.

"He's a fraud," said the man who did not want to be named, "He's asking for money from citizens to fund his walk, he's been walking for 2 and half years at donation's expense, basically he's on a tour of the country."

McQuown has walked the country for the past 2 and a half years, trying to visit every state capitol in hopes of spreading awareness about homeless veterans. The one time Marine told News 2 he's seen ten capitols in that time and raised a total of $8,000.

Some veterans, though, think he isn't representing himself properly and instead using gifts and the kindness of strangers to freeload across America.

"He's using it to basically fund his way around the country for a little vacation for himself, we haven't seen any record, he hasn't produced any records, he's been asked several times to produce records of where this money is going and he hasn't done anything of the sort," said LCpl. Bill Scepkowski, a former marine who has investigated McQuown's history and claims.

"It's all speculation and accusations it's not true," said McQuown. "My phone number is everywhere, don't you think I'd be a bit more discreet, I'm not a con artist, I've got nothing to hide because I've done nothing wrong."

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What Pantry?

03/23/2014 GOD IS AWESOME!!! Being at the Parade today was INCREDIBLE !!! I learned today that there is a Tradition in this Irish / Italian parade. They throw Food at the spectators. Everything from Cabbage, Potatoes , Coconuts , Carrots, Moon Pies, Romen Noodles, Limes, Lemons and so much more. Its CRAZY Fun LOL. Well My Great Friend Curtis Dalton and I gathered SO much food, I guess being up on the Main Stage we made GREAT targets LOL that we saved All the food , two boxes worth and then donated to the local Food Bank. Isn't it funny how God can work sometimes. God Is AWESOME !!!!

Mr. McQuown, please identify the name of the food bank that you donated these items to.  For the sake of being transparent and because you have been under so much public scrutiny, why wouldn't you divulge the name of the charity that you left the food with?  Failure to do so only makes you look GUILTY of all the things being said about you.

What are you waiting for?

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Two Weeks In Bunkie, LA

March 5, 2014:  Arrived in Bunkie, Louisiana.
Today's date is March 27, 2014.  How far did McQuown travel from his heated room in Bunkie to his latest destination?  Isn't he holed up with some nice folks currently while he waits out bad weather to start on his next leg of his journey scam.

I sure hope those homeless veterans are staying warm tonight while the pretend hero is holed up with unknowing victims, eating their hot food and taking advantage of their hospitality.  What happened to the tent, Mac?  Too cold out for you?  What do you think the homeless veterans would say about you being too good to sleep outside now?

Where in the world is Mac McQuown?

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Forgotten Dedications?

McQuown claimed on March 13, 2014 that "everyday that I walk I dedicate that days walk to a fallen veteran".  Today is March 27, 2014.  There have been no other "dedications".

Where are the rest of your dedications, McQuown?  My how soon we forget the pseudo-purpose of your own journey, right bud?

McQuown Mac

Follow · March 13 

OPERATION T.R.O.O.P.S.( TOGETHER REMEMBERING OUR OUTSTANDING PATRIOTIC SERVICE MEMBERS ) EVERYDAY THAT I WALK I DEDICATE THAT DAYS WALK TO A FALLEN VETERAN: I Dedicate Today's walk to United States Army SGT. William Joshua Rechenmacher. Sgt Rechenmacher was Deployed to Heaven on 1/18/2007 While serving in Baghdad, Iraq. Sgt Rechenmacher was the only one killed that day. Sgt Rechenmacher was a son, Friend to many , brother, ex-husband and father. He was killed 11 days after his 24th birthday. I Stand Very Proudly and Render unto YOU Sgt Rechenmacher, A Slow, Deliberate, Very Respectful Salute, To Honor YOU . Rest My Fellow Veteran We have the watch. With Every Step I take Today, Step After Step , Yard After Yard , and Mile after Challenging Mile belongs to YOU Sgt Rechenmacher. Any and all Blood Sweat and Tears I may spill today is for YOU . With my continued epic walk to America's Capital Steps your sacrifice will Never ever be forgotten. Marching on Semper FI

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This doesn't look like Howard Johnson's

McQuown claims to be sleeping in this tent to embrace the feeling of homelessness and to honor homeless veterans.  A question for you Mr. McQuown - is Howard Johnson's an open air hotel? How was your homeless experience while laying down in a warm bed at night?  How was your homeless experience while having the convenience of internet while you were there or a hot meal in the morning?   Please don't claim that the weather is too inclement to be outside.  Homeless vets don't get to pick and choose the environmental conditions they are forced to live in.  So, why is it that you shacked up at a HoJo's for days on end?

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2014 Italian Irish Parade Jefferson Parish

Mac McQuown strikes again.  When pressed where the donation money is going to he clams up, but he'll never miss an opportunity to pretend donate to homeless shelters or veterans organizations.  McQuown claims that he took fruits and vegetables to the local homeless shelter and donated them.  He also claims that he served sandwiches.  Like everything else, he lied...again...times infinity.

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