They don't just take your money, they take your products and services too.

Police Investigate Fraudulent Solicitations
	Advisory ID: 08-727 Advisory Date: 7/18/2008 Contact:    From:
	Detectives from the Montgomery County Police Financial Crimes Section are investigating fraudulent solicitations that occurred in 2008 targeting Montgomery County citizens and businesses in the name of Montgomery County law enforcement agencies. In May 2008, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s office conducted an investigation in response to numerous complaints from local businesses and citizens as to the validity of individuals requesting and obtaining donations and other services in the name of the Montgomery County Deputy Sheriff’s Association (MCDSA). The preliminary investigation revealed that Derek Williams, age 48, of Orange, New Jersey, and Daniel Earl Soat, age 49, of Pompano Beach, Florida, were operating as telephone solicitors under the employment of Leonard Stanley, owner of S&M Marketing, Inc. in Silver Spring. Williams and Soat had utilized pledge sheets, business cards, and vehicle window stickers bearing the name and emblem of the MCDSA and pledge sheets bearing the name and emblem of the Fraternal Order of Police, Montgomery County Lodge #35 along with various other forms of documentation to obtain free and discounted hotel rooms in Montgomery County from which to conduct their business. Williams and Soat conducted telephone solicitations to illegally obtain donations from several Montgomery County businesses and citizens. They often conducted the solicitation under the name of MCPD Post 2979 or a similar-named organization which does not exist. Arrest warrants for theft scheme and fraud were obtained for both Williams and Soat. The arrest warrant for Williams was served. He was later released on his own recognizance. Soat remains at-large. The Montgomery County Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and the Montgomery County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 35 would like the public to know that they do not solicit donations by telephone. Montgomery County Police would like to hear from anyone who may have been victimized by donating funds. Anyone who has information to provide is asked to call Montgomery County Police at 301-279-8000. # # #