Woman arrested for panhandling with fake story about her dead child

Jim Stark
InstantRiverside.com

On Sunday, August 29, Rancho Cucamonga police were called to the area of Milliken Avenue and 4th Street in Rancho Cucamonga, after reports of someone panhandling.

Police found Carolyne Mathis, 19, of Perris, falsely soliciting for money to bury her deceased child. Police learned that Mathis did not in fact have a deceased child.

Mathis was helped by an unidentified man in his late twenties. The two had allegedly created a large sign with a picture of an infant on it, saying that they needed funeral donations. They reportedly collected hundreds of dollars.

Carolyne Mathis was arrested for panhandling and later released, and given a date to appear in court.

Police suspect that there may be others using the same panhandling scheme in other local cities to collect money. People who notice any panhandling activity are encouraged to contact the Rancho Cucamonga police at (909) 477-2800.

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