Attorney General Andrew Cuomo put a lid on the United Homeless Organization yesterday when a judge granted an injunction forbidding the allegedly bogus charity to solicit spare change.
Starting today, the UHO and its army of beggars with water jugs risk being charged with contempt of court if they continue to panhandle, according to the order by Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Barbara Kapnick.
“Today’s court order prevents UHO from further exploiting the trust and good will of New Yorkers,” said Cuomo, who sued the group last month, charging the entire operation was a fraud.
Cuomo alleged that UHO founder Stephen Riley, director Myra Walker and the panhandlers keep the money themselves, without a single penny going to real social services.
Instead, the duo charge its “members” $15 to $25 per day to rent the jugs, along with a table and “UHO-branded materials, including a tablecloth, apron and plastic jug, and the right to claim membership in UHO,” the suit charged.
As many as 100 UHO members man up to 50 tables during peak season. Other UHO members take their pitch to the subway.
The UHO is challenging the injunction, and the two sides will be back in court on Jan. 11 — long after the peak tourist season has passed.
In the interim, all UHO activities must cease.
If UHO members are out on the streets today, they face fines, or even jail time, for violating a civil-court order.
Riley, who represented himself in court, did not return a call for comment.
The UHO, which was founded in 1985, reportedly collects hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in the loose change donated by generous New Yorkers and visitors under the wrong impression that the money funds soup kitchens, shelters, and other charitable workers.
Riley, 60, and Walker, 45, allegedly used their cut of the money to fund personal shopping sprees at GameStop, Home Shopping Network, Bed Bath & Beyond and P.C. Richard, as well as their monthly cable bills and even Weight Watchers, legal papers charge.
Ironically, UHO members interviewed by The Post said Riley refused to accept payment in coins — demanding his rental fees be paid in bills only.
Cuomo’s office set up a hot line, and urged people to call (212) 416-6119 if they see a UHO member soliciting.