William and Robert Tierney were arrested Thursday morning for their role in what the government calls a scheme to defraud donors to nine PACs.

The Department of Justice said the nationwide fraud took in more than $50 million in the past 10 years.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman said the money came from small-dollar donations solicited for autism awareness and pro-life causes, among others.

The government alleges the PACs did not engage in campaigning or educating voters as advertised and less than 1 percent of money raised actually went to causes or candidates.

The Tierneys have been charged with one count of wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering — each with maximum sentences of up to 20 years in prison.