Ky. beggar pretends to be mentally disabled, report says

(CBS) LEXINGTON, Ky. - A 30-year-old Kentucky man is accused of pretending to have a mental disability to prey upon people's generosity and collect handouts, CBS affiliate WKYT reports.

Gary Thompson has been arrested and charged with begging and theft multiple times, but has always been released. Lexington police say theft by deception and begging charges typically come with a short jail sentence and small fines.

According to the station, Thompson says he makes a living by people feeling sorry for him and giving him money at several Lexington shopping centers.

Thompson told the station he has never had a real job but used to have money, from a settlement with Honda. His guardian reportedly sued the car company in 1994 after Thompson was involved in an accident on a motorcycle. He now uses a wheelchair as a result. Court records show Thompson received $30,000 in the lawsuit.

When the money ran out, Thompson says he started panhandling. While admitting that he doesn't plan to stop the "disabled" charade, Thompson acknowledged he may have to alter his act now that it has gone public.

"I'll be normal. I am normal. It just helps to be mentally handicapped," Thompson said.