Andover Police Warn Of Deceptive Police Fundraiser

ANDOVER, MA — Andover police shared a warning about a "deceptive marketing scheme" that claims to be raising money for local police and sheriffs. The waning comes from the Essex County Sheriff's office.

Area residents have received letters from the United States Deputy Sheriff's Association, which claims to be raising money to provide local departments with equipment as part of a "Middleton, Massachusetts Area Drive for America's Police and Sheriff’s Emergency Equipment Shortage."

“We are not associated with this fund-raiser and we have never received a dime from this organization,” Sheriff Kevin Coppinger said. “This is just another phony solicitation using our Department to deceive well-intentioned people of their hard-earned money.”

The full warning is available here.

Middleton Police Chief James DiGianvittorio said there have been no donations by this group to the Middleton Police Department.

“Don’t be deceived by the name. This group has nothing to do with the Town of Middleton, the Police Department or the Sheriff’s Department,” DiGianvittorio said. “This is just another attempt by overly aggressive marketers to try and appear legitimate while taking your money.”

One of the solicitation letters was mailed to Essex County Special Sheriff William Gerke who alerted the Department about the mailing.

“These solicitation letters are deceptive and devious,” Coppinger said. “I urge everyone to be cautious when making donations to a group they are not familiar with and to do the research before sending a check.”

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.