Damages Ordered for Family Foundation Mismanagement

A relative of Generoso Pope Jr., the founder of the National Enquirer, has been ordered to pay over $138 million after misappropriating funds from his family’s foundation. The ruling comes from a Westchester County judge who found David Anthony Pope, 57, guilty of financial misconduct.

David, a great-grandson of construction tycoon Generoso Pope—known for supplying materials for iconic projects like the Empire State Building—was alleged to have stolen “well over $30 million,” according to the lawsuit filed by his brothers. Some of this money was reportedly redirected to personal causes, including children’s soccer and cheerleading teams, which absorbed nearly $1 million.

In his judgment this month, County Superior Court Judge Charles Wood described David’s actions as “intentional, reckless,” indicating a severe breach of moral obligation. The lawsuit asserts that David misused his power after persuading his grandmother to appoint him as the foundation’s head in 2006, subsequently sidelining his brother and sister.

Mark Lucarelli, representing David’s siblings, mentioned that they have now taken control of the foundation’s management in an effort to restore its integrity. “We’re focused on doing everything we can to save the foundation,” he remarked, highlighting the dire financial situation that leaves no liquid assets available for charitable activities.

The Generoso Pope Foundation was established in 1947 to promote education, health, culture, and civic welfare. Following David’s reign, the family is now looking to sell the foundation’s property in Tuckahoe and collect on the judgment against him. “Marie Therese Pope is grateful for the verdict, but there’s concern David might conceal his assets,” said another attorney for the brothers.

The lawsuit details how David, initially assuming control with $32 million in assets, reduced the foundation’s funds to just $4 million by 2019. He allegedly gave substantial sums to the Tuckahoe Union Free School System and various extracurricular programs, which contradicted the foundation’s own restrictions against helping its members.

David’s compensation also raised eyebrows; he earned a salary of $198,193 by 2017, in stark contrast to his grandfather’s $60,000. From 2005 to 2019, he reportedly took home $2.36 million. Meanwhile, he tripled grants to the Westchester Italian Cultural Center, which also employed family members in various roles.

Notably, in a deposition, the foundation’s accountant revealed that David had written checks totaling $325,000 to himself, leading him to believe David had pressing financial needs related to a new house. This outlined a troubling narrative where the foundation seemingly served as a conduit for David’s personal finances rather than its intended charitable purpose. “His self-serving policies would have angered Generoso,” the lawsuit stated.

David’s legal representation abandoned him in June, and he failed to show up for court proceedings. He has not commented publicly on the ongoing situation.