Advisory: Victorville - Disorderly Conduct/Begging
DATE/TIME: February 12, 2016/1:17 p.m.
INCIDENT: Disorderly Conduct/Begging
LOCATION: Bear Valley Rd/Mariposa Rd, Victorville CA
SUSPECT(S): Rebeca Cimpeanu, 20 years old
Female Juvenile, 17 years old
VICTIM(S): N/A
SUMMARY: On February 12, 2016, at approximately 1:17 p.m., Sergeant Jason Rosenbaum, from the Victorville Police Department, observed a 17 year old, female juvenile standing on the corner of Bear Valley Road and Mariposa Road, holding a sign that indicated she had a single mom and needed help due to the loss of her mom's job. When the juvenile saw Rosenbaum she tried to hide her sign and entered a gas station near the location.
While at the location Rosenbaum spotted another female, on the opposite corner of the location, identified as Rebeca Cimpeanu, 20. Cimpeanu, who was also holding a sign asking for help, was observed approaching several vehicles and receiving objects from the occupants. Both suspects were contacted and found to have evidence of panhandling in their possession. The juvenile suspect was issued a citation and released to her mother. Cimpeanu was arrested for Disorderly Conduct/Begging and booked at the High Desert Detention Center.
The suspects are believed to have traveled to the High Desert, with a group of others, for the sole purpose of begging for money. Most of these suspects are coming to the area each day from Orange County. There have been at least three other contacts or arrests made with this group recently. Residents are reminded that begging is not permitted, by law. In recent years the city of Victorville has seen a substantial increase in the number of transients and other groups, such as this, coming into the area. Residents are urged not to give money or other goods to anyone on the streets. The Victorville Police Department, along with the HOPE Team from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, are working diligently to help those that are willing get off the streets and deter those that are unwilling from loitering in the city.
Refer: Mara Rodriguez, Media Relations
Station: Victorville Police Department
Phone No. 760-241-2911
Case No. N/A
JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
