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How to avoid donation scams for fallen deputies
Support for the families of the two deputies killed in the line of duty in Cobb County has been flooding in from across the country. The sheriff's office is now warning about scammers taking advantage of people's generosity.
COBB COUNTY, Ga. - The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office says scammers are trying to make a quick buck off the shooting deaths of two of its deputies.
Deputy Marshall Samuel Ervin, Jr. and Deputy Jonathan Randall Koleski were killed while attempting to serve a warrant at a Marietta-area home last Thursday evening.
"Since this tragedy occurred, the support has been overwhelming," said Robert Haley, founder and chairman of the Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation. "However, if a criminal sees an opportunity, especially when money is involved, they’re going to take advantage of it."
FUNERALS ANNOUNCED FOR COBB COUNTY DEPUTIES KILLED IN LINE OF DUTY
Deputies Marshall Samuel Ervin, Jr & Jonathan Randall Koleski and their cruisers. (Cobb County Sheriff's Office)
The Cobb County Sheriff's Foundation has legitimately raised more than $50,000 for the deputies’ families as of Monday, the sheriff’s office says.
Haley said he met with the deputies’ widows Monday afternoon and handed them both a check for $10,000 to cover immediate expenses. He says another organization stepped up to pay their funeral expenses.
The foundation says it is just the beginning of the way it intends to help those families.
Anyone who would like to contribute to the fund can do so by going to cobbsheriffsfoundation.org.
"We appreciate your support of our fallen deputies. We are receiving reports of scammers attempting to take advantage of this terrible situation," the sheriff’s office tweeted Monday afternoon. "The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office Foundation is our official site to receive donations for the families."
Brandon Salyers and his family stopped by the makeshift memorial outside the county jail’s visitor center on Monday. They laid flowers, notes, and signs near the two squad cars.
He says the tragedy hit close to home, having a brother in law enforcement and having known Deputy Koleski personally.
"He was always very kind, kind of quiet when I would see him early in the mornings. But just a very kind and seem to love everyone," Saylers said. "Our hearts are with you guys through this time, our prayers are with you and just try to stay strong."
Any fundraiser that is not associated with the foundation can be reported to the sheriff’s office.