CINCINNATI (WKRC) - GoFundMe has apologized to the Cincinnati FOP for allowing postings to raise money in support of the man accused of intentionally killing a Hamilton County deputy.
Rodney Hinton Jr. was charged with aggravated murder for using a vehicle to hit and kill Larry Henderson while Henderson was working a traffic detail for the University of Cincinnati's graduation on May 2.
Correspondence was sent to its president, Ken Kober, that was shared on social media late Monday night.
Dear President Kober,
My name is Emily, I am reaching out from GoFundMe regarding Rodney Hinton Jr. and attempted misuse of the GoFundMe platform. I am deeply saddened at the death of Deputy Henderson, and on behalf of the entire GoFundMe team, we wanted to express our deepest condolences to the Ohio Law Enforcement community for your loss.
I was notified earlier today that our team removed a number of campaigns that violated our company’s terms of service related to raising money for individuals charged with violent crimes. GoFundMe’s Terms of Service prohibit fundraisers for the legal defense of violent crimes. Consistent with this long-standing policy, any fundraisers for the legal defense of someone charged with a violent crime are removed from the platform, and any money donated to that campaign is fully refunded to the person who sent in the donation.
I can assure you that there will be zero tolerance for this type of behavior on our platform. If you have any questions about the legitimacy of a fundraiser on our platform, or if you come across a campaign that you believe should be removed, please send it to me directly. You can consider me your direct line to GoFundMe, and we will resolve the matter as quickly as possible.
Once again, Deputy Henderson and his family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Emily Barson
Director of Policy & Engagement
The FOP had asked GoFundMe to remove multiple fundraising posts in support of Hinton Jr.
