MA Police arrest Harvey Malbaurn for soliciting donations
Someone on Facebook sent us a link to this story about Harvey Malbaurn who was dressed in “military style fatigues” and collecting money for “Focus on Veterans” charity outside a Dunkin Donuts in Massachusetts when an observant police officer saw him, made a donation, and struck up a conversation with the 67-year-old.
Malbaurn said the money went to a house in Connecticut for homeless veterans and not Massachusetts vets.
Malbaurn claimed to be in the military, but could not provide any information about what branch he was in.
Police made a call to the Attorney General’s office and found that the Focus on Veterans group was not allowed to solicit money in Massachusetts.
Malbaurn, who had collected over $500 until his conversation with the officer, was arrested and charged with Larceny by False Pretenses.
So I don’t know anything about the charity, but I’d be suspicious of anyone collecting for them in public.
Category: Phony Vet Charities
Pretty sure I’ve never seen VFW, Wounded Warriors, or any other legit charity panhandling. What an asswipe.
American Legion used to come around all the time to bragg to sell popcorn. idk if thats the same thing though
I am glad to see some people doing their homework. It is no secret that I can not stand veteran charities that take money from the public, or bottom feeding veterans that take the money. We are not victims, I will not be treated like one.
Dave X2, my wife and I get huge arguments about charities and taking from them. The military is not a charity it is a chosen profession that entails all types of sacrafice. I have lived as a E-5 with 2 kids and would not take charity, I sucked it up and didnt live beyond my means. I believe that when they people start giving money they believe they have a say on how the organization is run. I believe some people really need and deserve help but that is what AER, Veterans Organizations (VFW,Legion and your local VSO) are for. Just my .02
If they’re panhandling…I don’t contribute. Too many legitimate online ways to give to good, legal causes.
Surprising to find that in upper CT. As I been a resident of MA for last 2 years or so. I don’t ever see any guys soliciting charity in Western Mass or in Hartford area. Usually see pandhandlers, all over the place. Amherst had a few phony vets (me and my co worker veted them, they claimed that they can’t talk about their “missions”)
This is probably how Phil Monkress at All-Points Logistics got his start.