On Wednesday Richmond Police Officer Daniel Ellis was laid to rest. While the community has shown an undeniable amount of support, police said now some people might be preying on your good intentions.
Lexington Police said on Thursday a man was trying to scam people, by panhandling and saying he was taking in money for Officer Ellis’ family. Now police are warning those people who want to give, to watch out.
“Quit using somebody else’s sorrow, let the family and let him rest in peace,” said Wesley Larison, a driver in Lexington.
http://liarcatchers.com/fraud_investigation.html
“It’s just really sad, like, the fact that somebody is stealing this money for themselves basically,” said Amelia Holloway, another driver in Lexington.
Police said sadly that was one man’s M.O. on Thursday. They received reports that a man was seen panhandling near Leestown Road, then on New Circle, near Boardwalk and Russell Cave Road. Police said the man was asking for “donations” in honor of Officer Ellis. Lexington Police said the man didn’t appear to be affiliated with any organization officially raising money for the fallen officer’s family. However, once they approached the man, he had yet to collect any money, and was therefore not arrested.
“It is upsetting to think that someone would be out there trying to collect money under these circumstances, for their own personal gain,” said Allee Combs Whicker, Madison County Chief Deputy Circuit Clerk.
The Madison County District and Circuit Clerks Offices, plus the Sheriff’s Honor Guard are understandably upset. They are raising funds to benefit Officer Ellis’ family, however, they do not directly ask for money.
“If you want to help and you see a sign, or someone asking for money on the side of the road, pretty much just know that’s not us,” said Combs Whicker.
The group is holding a $5 dollar Spaghetti Dinner and silent auction at the Madison County Fairgrounds on Monday at 5 p.m. They are expecting around two-thousand people and all of the proceeds will go to Officer Ellis’ family. It will be a true tribute, to a true hero.
“It can’t bring Daniel back into your life, but maybe it will show you our community is here for you,” said Combs Whicker.
There are numerous other legitimate ways to donate.
People’s Bank of Madison County, has an account established for Officer Ellis’ family. Checks can be mailed to People’s Bank of Madison Co. P.O. Box 219 Berea, Ky 40403
The BlueLine Benefit, Honoring the Life and Service of Officer Ellis: It will be held at Champions Bar and Grill in Richmond. Currently the details are pending. If you are interested in helping organize or donating items to this event, contact the restaurant at 859-803-9335.
Softball Tournament – Lake Reba Softball Complex will host a benefit for the Ellis family, Saturday November 14th. The event begins at 9 a.m. and the cost per teams is $150. Contact Matt Long, 859-314-1989 or Adam Rhodus 859-623-8753 for details.
Taxi One of Lexington will donate 20% of their profits from all taxi runs November 13th-15th to the Officer Ellis Memorial Fund at peoples Bank of Madison County.
In Lexington, drivers can help show their support by putting a stop to this scam.
“Don’t just give your money to random people on the street,” said Holloway.
“Make sure it is going to actually benefit and honor him and his life,” said Larison.
Lexington Police said if you see anyone on the streets asking for donations for the Ellis family, you’re asked to call the Lexington Police Department right away.
