Woman, Teen Boy Allegedly Fake Infant's Death For Profit
CORONA (CBSLA.com) — A 21-year-old woman and 16-year-old boy were facing criminal charges Thursday after they reportedly faked an infant's death for profit in San Bernardino County.
Yvette Delgado and the teen, both of San Bernardino, were arrested Sept. 7 on charges of theft by false pretense.
Police say the duo advertised the death of a 6-month-old girl that did not exist.
Delgado and teen are accused of standing on street corners holding a gallon-sized plastic jug and a poster, requesting donations for funeral costs associated the infant.
"The sign indicated the baby girl's name, date of birth, date of death, and photograph," Sgt. Kim Velasco said.
Police contacted the Riverside and San Bernardino county coroners and neither office could confirm the death of the child.
"Officers then conducted an internet search of the baby's photograph on the poster, which revealed it was a file photograph for a baby name web site," Sgt. Velasco said.
Delgado and the teen had collected $116 from passing motorists in less than an hour, according to police.