ST. LOUIS – Governor Eric Greitens' charity the he founded, The Mission Continues, has become the new focal point of the criminal and legislative investigation into the embattled governor.
Tuesday morning, Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley announced he has discovered evidence of potential criminal violations related to taking a donor list from the charity, to be used for his campaign for Governor.
Greitens founded the non-profit in 2007.
The group gives six-month fellowships to combat veterans that have served in the military after September 11, 2001.
In addition to giving them a small salary, it also gives them a sense of purpose.
Sarah Bonner is a graduate of the program, who said she is immensely proud of The Mission Continues, but is worried the controversy surrounding the group's founder may be its demise.
"The Mission Continues came to me when I really needed a challenge," says Bonner.
Bonner considers The Mission Continues to be like family.
"It gave me a reason to get up in the morning," she said.
There when she needed them, but not always perfect.
"Just say the truth so the questions get answered," said. Bonner.
Bonner met Eric Greitens after she joined the organization in 2011.
"I am forever grateful for him starting The Mission Continues because I know it had a significant impact on my life and he’s someone I’ve looked up to," she said.
For years, Greitens was at the very center of the organization. He raised millions from Missouri businessmen, even $20 million from Goldman Sachs in 2010.
He stepped aside as CEO in 2014, but remained on as Director through August 2015.
"His commitment was so amazing and supportive and it gave me hope," said Bonner.
Now Greitens is accused of taking the donor list from the charity, to be used for his campaign to become Governor, which is illegal under federal election laws.
The Mission Continues said in a statement:
"We appreciate that AG Hawley has recognized that the evidence fully supports that The Mission Continues did not authorize the use of any donor information for political purposes. Nor did we promote Governor Greitens for political office. The Mission Continues remains committed to our mission to empower veterans, volunteers, and communities around the country through the power of service."
"I hope he realizes what his actions, what they could be involving, how that’s going to paint on the Mission Continues," said Bonner.
Bonner is concerned this could surrounding Greitens could cause donors to reject the organization, so she has a message for the Governor.
"I would like him to be honest and come clean with what happened so we cannot be left in the dust," she said.
Greitens contends, he may have reached out to some of the same donors, but that he didn't take the list.
Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley argues, he has evidence to prove a crime did occur.
Hawley has now turned over all of that evidence to St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner.
