Full Breakdown
David Anthony Pope Ordered to Pay $138 Million for Misappropriation of Family Foundation Funds
1/28/2026, 8:38:20 AM
Overview of the Case
David Anthony Pope, the great-grandson of Generoso Pope, founder of the Generoso Pope Foundation and the National Enquirer, has been ordered by a New York court to pay $138 million in damages for allegedly misappropriating funds from the family foundation. The ruling follows a lawsuit filed by his siblings, Marie Thérèse Pope and Ted Pope, who accused David of siphoning off more than $30 million for personal use over several years.
Allegations of Misconduct
The lawsuit claims that David Pope gained control of the Generoso Pope Foundation around 2006, subsequently pushing out his brother Ted in 2007 and sister Marie Thérèse in 2010. Under his management, the foundation's assets plummeted from $32 million to just $4 million by 2019, with claims that there are now no funds remaining. David allegedly used foundation resources to fund personal projects, including nearly $1 million for his children’s extracurricular activities and a significant salary increase for himself, earning $198,193 by 2017 compared to his grandfather’s $60,000.
Financial Mismanagement
Evidence presented during the trial indicated that David wrote checks to himself totaling $325,000, in addition to his salary and those of family members. Robert Castro, the foundation's accountant, testified that David's actions transformed the foundation into a means for personal enrichment, undermining its original charitable mission. The suit described David's conduct as “willful, wanton, reckless,” and indicative of a high degree of moral culpability.
Official Statements & Responses
Marie Thérèse Pope expressed gratitude for the judgment but voiced concerns that David might attempt to conceal his assets to evade accountability. Her attorney, Andy Tomback, noted the family's commitment to restoring the foundation, which was originally established in 1947 to support educational, health, and cultural initiatives.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of David's management have highlighted the stark contrast between his financial gains and the foundation's decline. The lawsuit's claims suggest a significant breach of trust, with David allegedly prioritizing personal interests over the foundation's charitable objectives. The family is now focused on recovering the judgment amount and potentially selling the foundation's building in Tuckahoe, New York, to salvage its remaining assets.
What's Next
Following the judgment, the Pope family plans to pursue the collection of the awarded damages and explore options for the foundation's future. The case represents one of the largest judgments in a charity fraud case in New York, raising questions about governance and accountability in nonprofit organizations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Under the stewardship of [David], the foundation became a vessel through which he lined his and his family’s pockets at the expense of the charitable organizations the foundation had previously (and properly) served,” — Generoso Pope Foundation Lawsuit
- “Marie Thérèse Pope is grateful for the judgment but fearful that David will hide his assets and avoid being held accountable for his wrongdoing.” — Andy Tomback, Attorney for Marie Thérèse Pope
