Panhandling Scammers Busted in Victorville

VICTORVILLE-(VVNG.com):  One woman was arrested and a second was cited for panhandling in the area of Bear Valley and Mariposa Roads on Friday. At around 1:15 pm Sergeant Jason Rosenbaum from the Victorville Police Department observed a 17-year-old female standing on the corner holding a sign indicating she had a single mom and needed help due to the loss of her mother’s job. When she saw him, she attempted to hide the sign and enter the gas station.

On the opposite corner of the street, he saw 20-year-old Rebeca Climeanu also holding a sign and approaching vehicles receiving objects from the occupants. Sgt. Rosenbaum approached both suspects and found evidence of the panhandling in their possession. The 17-year-old was released to her mother with a citation and Climpeanu was arrested for Disorderly Conduct/Begging and booked into the High Desert Detention Center.

The suspects, according to authorities are believed to have traveled to the High Desert with others for the sole purpose of begging for money. Most of these suspects have traveled to the area from Orange County. At least three other contacts and arrests have been made with this group.

Residents are reminded that begging is not permitted. Residents are urged not to give money or other goods to anyone on the streets. The Victorville Police Department, along with the HOPE Team from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, are working diligently to help those that are willing get off the streets and deter those that are unwilling from loitering in the city.  There are legitimate non-profit organizations that you can donate to that assist the Homeless like High Desert Homeless Services Inc. and Victor Valley Rescue Mission.