Maryland's secretary of state on Thursday ordered the National Organization of Deputy Sheriffs to immediately stop all fundraising in the state, contending that the North Carolina-based organization has committed nine violations of state charity regulations.

According to the state, violations include misleading potential contributors, implying that the state has endorsed the organization, using unregistered professional solicitors, submitting false statements to the state and misrepresenting the reasons why funds are being solicited.

Citizens may contact the secretary of state's charities division at 410-974-5534 or 800-825-4510 to report suspicious charitable solicitations or to inquire about charitable organizations before they make contributions.