A couple was taken into custody in Hemet after police uncovered an alleged panhandling scam in which they falsely claimed to be raising money for a child’s funeral.
Suspicious Fundraising Effort Draws Police Attention
On Sunday, authorities responded to complaints about individuals soliciting money at the busy intersection of Sanderson and Stetson avenues. Witnesses reported that the pair was weaving through traffic while holding signs featuring a child’s photo and a plea for funeral expenses, claiming the boy had died in a tragic accident.
By the time officers arrived, the panhandlers had left the scene. However, police were able to track their vehicle through local surveillance footage, leading them to a traffic stop on the 100 block of North Sanderson Avenue.
Inconsistent Stories Unravel the Scheme
The suspects, identified as Marius Stan and Malvina Stan, were questioned separately about the child’s identity and circumstances of his supposed death. Investigators quickly noticed inconsistencies in their stories. Further digging revealed that the photo on their signs was not recent but had actually been taken from a 2011 Romanian news article about a missing child.
Authorities later confirmed that the child in the article had been found safe years ago, exposing the fraudulent nature of the couple’s fundraising efforts.
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Additional Evidence of Fraud Uncovered
During the investigation, police found multiple identification cards, EBT cards, passports, and other documents suggesting potential involvement in additional fraudulent activities.
Both suspects were arrested and booked into Riverside County Jail, where they await charges related to obtaining money under false pretenses.
The Hemet Police Department continues to investigate whether the pair has engaged in similar scams elsewhere.
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