They call Gary Thompson the "Bogus Beggar." The man has been scamming his way through Louisville, KY, for years, pretending to be special needs and faking a physical disability to panhandle money out of strangers.
The truth is Thompson doesn't need a wheelchair and doesn't have mental disabilities. WAVE reporter John Boel heard reports that the Bogus Beggar was making his rounds and began to follow Thompson for days.
Thompson has been arrested a dozen times for the crime, yet he always manages to get back on the streets. When Boel confronted the man, he couldn't believe what he said.
"I clear about $100,000 a year doing this," Thompson admitted. He also said he is a former millionaire, earning $2.5 million in a settlement. But that's just the beginning, Thompson makes nearly $81,000 per year in Medicaid benefits he isn't entitled to.
Since Boel confronted him, as of 2016, Thompson is in prison serving a 14-month sentence for defrauding the Social Security Administration.
Police recommend that the only way to stop fake beggars is to stop giving them money, which can be difficult when you see someone you believe to be in need. Instead, they recommend pointing them toward the nearest homeless shelter or providing them with food and supplies.
It is unfortunate that con artists ruin things for those who are truly in need, but unfortunately people like Gary Thompson exist. Thankfully, he is finally behind bars.
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