Panhandlers allegedly assault women labeling them frauds

The Times Record ^ | March 8, 2016 | Darcie Moore

[LostInBayport]

A man and woman who were apparently panhandling at the Topsham Fair Mall entrance were charged with assault on Saturday, after they allegedly became physical with a mother and daughter attempting to warn motorists of alleged fraud.

Meanwhile, a video posted online of the confrontation has been viewed thousands of times.

Topsham police were called to the mall at approximately 4:50 p.m. Saturday after the incident occurred, according to Police Chief Christopher Lewis.

After speaking with witnesses and those involved, police issued summonses to Carl Brown, 79, with a last known address of Bath, and Mary Rousselle, 41, of Brunswick — charging both with Class D assault. They are scheduled to appear in West Bath District Court on April 12.

Bonnie Gould and her daughter, Makayla, of Lewiston, spoke about the confrontation Monday night.

Gould said that she and her daughter were eating at the Topsham McDonald’s, when they overheard a group bragging about allegedly scheming money from others, including from the elderly. Gould said she had just previously seen one member of the group on the median near Route 196 and Topsham Fair Mall Road holding a sign asking for money.

“They were bragging about where this money was going. And my daughter and I were fuming,” Gould said.

When the man returned to the median, Gould silently stood next to him, holding her own sign that stated “fraud,” she said.

[LostInBayport]

This is of interest to me as I see many people holding signs asking for money as I drive throughout my state. They are always on highway medians at stop lights, either at busy intersections or the exits to strip malls. Always alone, no competitors.

I see people handing them money quite often. I do not, because this story is not the first I've read of people making a remarkable income doing this. My heart suggests to give, and my head tells me no.

Plus, I am concerned they may be figments of my imagination. It is a well-known fact that the homeless cease to exist when a democrat is in the White House.

[Opinionated Blowhard]

Based on the headline, I thought the panhandlers were assaulting women and calling them frauds as part of the assaults. Maybe a panhandler who begs outside of Female Bruce Jenner’s house?

[Texas Eagle]

You go, girls. Those people are frauds. A bunch of lazy potheads. I can't believe people are gullible enough to give them so much as a nickel.

Especially here in California where all they have to do is pick up a few aluminum cans and they'll earn enough money to pay for their weed for the day.

But I guess that's too much like work.

[lee martell]

Yes, they were frauds. I’ve seen plenty of people like this, but common sense should tell you, if a person is low enough to deceive in this way, they won’t think twice about physically assaulting any Whistleblower. The mother should have been smarter, thought for her daughter, and said, “No, don’t confront them in that direct manner, you may get a wine bottle broken across your face.” Just tell an officer, and be on your way, unless you want to play Hero Of The People.

[LostInBayport]

Just tell an officer, and be on your way,

Not a bad idea, but the article says that (at least in Maine) that the cops have no power to remove these people as long as they aren't impeding traffic. I thought some places had laws against panhandling, but I'm sure here up north the liberals would never allow those to stand.

[metmom]

I knew a man from a church that I attended many years ago who had been through Teen Challenge and warned me to NEVER, EVER give money to the guys on the street corners.

He said he knew them from his drug using days and they are just using the money for drugs. If they really want help, there is always the Rescue Mission, but they won’t go there because there’s accountability.