Merle Haggard sues Nashville's Green Train

Country legend Merle Haggard today filed a lawsuit in Davidson County Chancery Court against the Nashville-based Green Train and its founder, Bob Wolf. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for the alleged unauthorized use of Haggard’s name and forged signature to raise contributions for the organization, which promotes environmental concerns through a national musical train tour. The lawsuit, which has sparked a state investigation, alleged that the defendants have engaged in dishonest and illegal behavior, using substantial amounts of money for personal purposes. Wolf denies the allegations. Haggard’s lawsuit states that the Country Music Hall of Famer acted because such an association wrongly suggests that Haggard is involved with and condones the group’s conduct. Todd Kelley, director of the Tenessee Secretary of State’s Division of Charitable Solicitations and Gaming, said the Green Train has not registered with the Secretary of State's office or filed for an exemption, so fundraising would be in violation of the Charitable Solicitations Act. He said he will launch an investigation. This state division only has the power to assess civil penalties and cannot seek criminal charges....