But a report by CBS News' 60 Minutes programme last year alleged that Mortenson had fabricated parts of his work and was benefitting financially from his charity.

The Montana-based organisation became the focus of a year-long investigation by the state attorney general.

His inquiry found Mortenson had spent $4m of the charity's money to buy copies of his books, gaining royalties without paying any of them to the CAI, as promised.

The organisation also spent more than $2m on Mortenson's charter flights to speaking engagements, even when the event host paid his travel fees.

Mortenson and his family also charged personal items to the charity amounting to $75,276 that included brand-name clothing, luxury accommodation and holidays, found the report.

He has repaid nearly half of the $1m he owes the CAI, and said he would repay the rest over three years as he has "insufficient financial resources" to do so at once, according to the investigation.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-17634694

 

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