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VICTORVILLE – A 20-year-old San Bernardino man and two 14-year-old boys were arrested for collecting money from the public claiming it was for a young boys funeral.

On Monday, September 17, 2018, at around 11:47 a.m two Victorville station deputies conducted a pedestrian check on three people near Highway 395 and Palmdale Road. The three included Richard Navarrete and two 14-year-old boys. The three were holding signs, seeking donations. “The signs indicated the donations were for the funeral of a young boy, whose photo was attached,” said Victorville Station spokeswoman Mara Rodriguez. “Through investigation, deputies discovered the boy was not deceased and was, in fact, the son of Navarrete’s friend.” Navarrete and the two boys had water bottles with money that had been donated by unsuspecting victims. Deputies were able to locate a victim who was interviewed.

Navarrete and the two teen boys were arrested for Theft by False Pretenses. Navarrete was booked into the High Desert Detention Center, while the teens were booked into the High Desert Juvenile Detention Center. Authorities believe that there may be other victims.

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact Deputy Medawar or Deputy Demara, at the Victorville Police Department at (760) 241-2911 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.