Two individuals were arrested in Hemet, California, after allegedly soliciting money for a fake funeral for a 10-year-old boy who never died, police said.
The Hemet Police Department responded to reports of panhandlers walking in and out of traffic near Sanderson Avenue and Stetson Avenue around noon on Sunday. The suspects were holding a sign requesting donations for a child named Alex, claiming he had died in a car accident.
How Police Uncovered the Scam
Surveillance cameras helped officers identify the suspects’ vehicle.
The pair was seen counting the money they collected after leaving the scene.
Officers pulled over the vehicle on North Sanderson Avenue and questioned the two suspects:
- Driver: Marius Stan
- Passenger: Malvina Stan
Red Flags Raised:
- The suspects gave conflicting stories about who the child was and where he had died.
- A reverse image search led police to a 2011 Romanian news article, which featured the same child.
- That article stated the boy had gone missing for a day but was later found safe in a park—not involved in any accident.
Further Evidence Found:
- Multiple fake identifications
- EBT cards, passports, and other documents indicating a history of fraud
Arrests & Charges
Both suspects were arrested and booked at Riverside County Jail.
Exact charges are still unclear but are likely related to fraud and false pretenses.
