Sheriff deputies in San Bernardino say they've arrested two women on conspiracy to commit fraud after they solicited donations for a baby's funeral.
Twenty-six year-old Chasity Doll of Loma Linda was arrested on the corner of Tippecanoe Avenue and Coulston Street in San Bernardino for panhandling. About an hour later, 41-year-old Michele Love of Yucca Valley was arrested for panhandling at the same location.
As authorities were booking Love, investigators discovered evidence that linked the pair. The two transient women allegedly worked together to create signs like the one asking for donations for a baby's funeral from people who were passing by.
Photos: San Bernardino County PD
A short investigation quickly revealed that the baby whose face is shown on their sign did not belong to either woman and no burial funds were actually needed.
The two suspects face charges on conspiracy to commit fraud.
Officials are asking the public if they believe they were a victim of the ruse, or have any relevant information about the case, to please contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's Central Station at (909) 387-3545.