Victorville Police observed an unusual case of panhandling in the High Desert area on a recent Friday afternoon. Three individuals were reportedly involved in a panhandling scheme using falsified stories to elicit money from the public, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department.
At approximately 12:35 p.m., authorities noticed 19-year-old Guiseppe Militaru brandishing a sign with a child's picture and claims of a fatal car accident. The sign turned out to be featuring fake information, and it was soon discovered by the sergeant of the Victorville Police Department that Militaru, alongside his mother Mariana Pasare and an unnamed 17-year-old juvenile, had traveled quite to specifically beg for money under these pretenses, as stated in the official release.
Residing in Pico Rivera, Militaru and Pasare were both cited for violating California Penal Code 647(c) – an offense relating to panhandling, according to FOX LA. Meanwhile, evidence including the sign, collected jugs, and cash were seized by the authorities.
The Victorville Police Department urges the public to always exercise caution when approached by panhandlers, urging them to consider verifying before giving away money.
