Scammers Trying To Cash In On Officer's Death

As Tampa Bay area residents mourn the loss of Tarpon Springs Police Officer Charles Kondek, scammers are already coming out of the woodwork to cash in on the tragedy.

That’s the word from the Tarpon Springs City Manager’s Office on the day following Kondek’s line-of-duty death.

The city’s police department, an email to media stated, has already “received reports of fraudulent attempts to collect funds for Charlie’s family.” The city cautions people that only two legitimate fundraisers have been established:

• One being overseen by Suncoast Law Enforcement Charities (SCLEC), Suncoast PBA, 14141 46th St. N., Suite 1205, Clearwater, FL 33762. Checks can be made payable to the SCLEC with “Officer Charles Kondek” written in the memo area of the check.
• Checks may be donated at any Wells Fargo Bank branch by requesting a donation to the Officer Charles Kondek Memorial Fund.

Kondek, 45, was shot and run over by a car Sunday morning as he was responding to a noise complaint call. He succumbed to his injuries at Florida Hospital North Pinellas shortly after the incident.

See Also:

• Drives Begin to Help Slain Officer’s Family
• Slain Officer Was Father of 6

Marco Antonio Parilla Jr., 23, now faces first-degree murder charges in the death of the veteran law enforcement officer who served about five years with the New York City Police Department before reporting for duty in Tarpon Springs more than 17 years ago.

Kondek, 45, leaves behind a wife, Teresa, and six children: Aleena, Brandon, Andrew, Charlie Jr., Holly and Tiffany, according to the sheriff’s office.

“The Tarpon Springs Police Department and the entire Tarpon Springs community thank everyone for their prayers and support at this difficult time,” the city’s email stated.

Services for Kondek have not yet been announced.

Stay with Patch for updates as they are announced.

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