Fund Drive for Slain Deputy Is Only a Scam

Sheriff Sherman Block warned the public Wednesday that scam artists posing as sheriff’s deputies are soliciting money they claim will go to the family of Deputy Shayne York, who was slain two weeks ago.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has received a number of complaints in the last week from people who have been targeted by solicitors seeking funds for the family of York, who was shot execution-style during a robbery when he was off-duty.

“It’s shocking that people would sink so low on a tragedy like this,” said sheriff’s spokesman Jim Hellmold. “We’re urging people that if they have any doubt at all, to call us or their local police department.”

None of the people who have called the Sheriff’s Department had sent money to the bogus fund, Hellmold said. But people, he said, should be very wary about telephone solicitors in general.

“We don’t actively call people,” Hellmold said. “So any time somebody calls a citizen posing as a law enforcement officer and puts pressure on them, a red warning light should go off.”

Block said there has been an increase in fraudulent telephone solicitations. He advised residents that although there are many reasons a sheriff’s deputy may call a private citizen, soliciting funds is not one of them.

Five months ago, the Los Angeles Police Commission received complaints from citizens about an organization claiming to be raising money for orphans and widows of slain LAPD officers.

But the commission advised the public that the department is not associated with any such group.

Sheriff’s deputies have set up a legitimate fund for contributions to York’s family. Donations may be sent to: Fund No. 430, Sheriff’s Relief Foundation, 11515 S. Colima Road, Whittier, CA 90604.