Crime & Safety

Police Arrest Alleged Panhandler Wanted On Warrants

Man reportedly targeted religious institutions.

Springfield police arrested an alleged panhandler targeting religious institutions last week.

According to a Springfield Police report, members of Congregation Israel contacted the force on Thursday, April 22 after Rodney Franklin allegedly sought money at the temple. Franklin, 33 and a according to police a resident of Newark, reportedly claimed to have traveled from Syracuse, NY to visit family in Newark and to need money to return to upstate New York.

Police say Franklin had claimed to be indigent in order to beg money at several area churches and temple. A background check showed that Franklin had a total of five warrants for his arrest on charges including failure to make court appearances and traffic offenses.

Union police, who had an outstanding criminal warrant for Franklin, took custody of him.


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