Hawkeyes Neighborhood Watch

Scam/Pandhandler alerts

  1. Scam Artist

District 7 has issued a general alert about scams involving a guy who alleges he is a retired brewery worker who can get you a big discount on beer, takes orders, takes money, but doesn't deliver. Evidently the police department has had problems with this fellow for quite awhile.  He also has a variation with Pepsi products.  He was recently arrested on January 12, 2010 and booked under the name of Bobby Lee Washington Jr.  His date of birth is 12/31/1954.  He is described as a black male, 5-5 and 150 pounds, with gray hair, brown eyes, and a graying mustache and goatee.  At the District 7 safety meeting on January 18th, several people in attendance had prior contact with him, and he was seen recently near 68th and Hampton, and 77th and Hampton. Its also reported that he has been posing as a block watch captain and trying to get money for alley plowing. The police department is very concerned about the activities of this fellow.

    2. Panhandler Problem                              

 The Hawkeyes area has been having ongoing  problems in the past year from a panhandler who sometimes calls himself Brother James.  This man is described as a dark complexioned African American of about age 40, stocky build and about 5-10 to 6-0 tall, who is polite, articulate, well spoken and well dressed. He sometimes comes up to people who are in their front yard, or even their back yard, or to the door.  He is looking for money.  His stories often have to do with his car needing gas, or some type of repairs so he can get to Madison or some other destination. Or he is playing Good Samaritan and seeking a reward. There have been instances when Brother James is carrying an open beer in his hand due to "stress".  In addition to posing as a minister, he has also claimed to be a recently released convict who needs to go see his parole officer. He was first noticed in our area last spring, and most recently in early January 2010.  He has made multiple contacts at some homes.  The police department has been advised.  Last summer the police reported they had stopped and talked to the man, but he has continued his activities. The District 7 police are aware of his activiity in our area and are looking for him.  If you happen to come across "Brother James", don't give him any money, and do call the police department.  The non emergency number at District 7 is 933-4444.  We would like to see him arrested or cited by the police, as we don't need his type of activity in our area.