Men Set Up Phony Gloria Gemma Booth at St. Mary's Feast: Police

One man has been arrested and another is being sought for setting up a phony breast cancer charity booth and collecting donations at the annual St. Mary’s Feast celebration in Cranston last week.

Cranston police said they’re looking for the man pictured wearing a pink shirt and baseball hat in the attached photo.

The pair had a table, pink gift bags and a banner depicting the logo of The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation, one of the state’s top charities that has delivered millions to support victims of breast cancer and research for a cure.

The suspect who has been arrested, Alan Ponte, 48, of 12 Manchester St., Pawtucket is facing charges of obtaining money under false pretenses.

Cranston Police Acting Capt. Russell Henry said the two men had a convincing setup.

“Fortunately, someone from Gloria Gemma checked out what they were doing and contacted us,” Henry said.

The foundation said in a statement on its Facebook page that they wanted to express thanks to the Cranston Police Department and the St. Mary’s Feast Committee for their cooperation.

“We hold the St. Mary’s Feast Committee completely harmless and want to express our apologies to them for any disruption caused, at their event, by the arrest of this alleged impostor. We also hope that anyone at the feast who received information from these individuals will call us so we may provide you with credible resources,” the statement read.

They also said that they are alarmed that “they allegedly asked for donations and worse, they gave people incorrect information regarding breast cancer and breast health.”

Foundation officials said they know that nonprofits are frequently targeted in similar ways and offered a reminder to double check and make sure they know who they are donating to before they make a contribution.

If you recognize the man in the pink shirt, call Cranston Police Acting Capt. Russell Henry at 401-640-5444.

Ponte is free on bail after pleading innocent to the charge in Third Division District Court. He trial date is Aug. 3.