Man known only as 'Bobby Thompson' to get new attorney in fake veterans charity case

CLEVELAND - The mysterious man accused of running a fake charity and whose real name is unknown will now need a new attorney.

A pre-trial hearing ended just before noon Thursday for Bobby Thompson.

Prosecutors said he founded the bogus charity "United States Navy Veterans Association," and collected millions in donations from people in 40 states including Ohio.

During the hearing in a Cuyahoga County courtroom, a judge agreed to let Thompson's appointed attorney Mark Stanton withdraw after Stanton said this case will take a lot of time and he has other cases pending.

Authorities are still trying to figure out Thompson’s real name. U.S. Marshals arrested him in Portland, Ore. in May after several years on the run.

From 2003 to 2010, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office said Thompson collected about $2 million from Ohioans for a fake charity. The group also solicited millions more from victims in 40 other states.

"There is documentation that indicates it could be up to, in the area of, $100 million," Brad Tamarro, a special prosecutor handling the case for the AG's office, told NewsChannel5 in May.

According to U.S. Marshals, Thompson refused to tell authorities his real name and searches of fingerprint databases turned up negative results. On booking sheets, Thompson signed by simply writing “X.” He is also known for changing his appearance.