Fake Veteran Arrested for Panhandling, Police Say

By Paige McAtee

Mansfield Police arrested a homeless man who was fraudulently collecting donations for a homeless veterans organization outside a grocery store on Monday, Aug. 4, at 2:30 p.m.

Gary L. Fincher, 52, was outside Stop & Shop on Chauncy Street while he collected donations from the patrons exiting the store, reported the Mansfield Police Facebook page. Police said Fincher was wearing a hat with the words “veteran” above the bill, and was sitting at a table covered with veteran flags, pamphlets, and business cards.

Sergeant Ellsworth, a military veteran himself, approached Fincher and asked him what charity he represented. Police said Fincher told Ellsworth that he represented the National Chapter of “Help for Homeless Vets” and was assigned to collect donations by founder Mark Pickens.

After researching the National Chapter “Help for Homeless Vets,” Ellsworth found that there was no such organization.

Fincher attempted to flee the parking lot, police say, and was placed under arrest for larceny more than $250 by false pretenses and misleading an investigator.

Police said they searched Fincher’s vehicle and found that he had fraudulently obtained more than $10,000 from collecting donations.

Fincher told police he was a homeless veteran and felt entitled to collect donations from people. He informed police he was in the Army for 29 days in 1980 and was unable to complete basic training.

Fincher is held on $25,000 cash bail.

Photo credit: Mansfield Police Department Facebook page