She reportedly carries a basket full of baked goods, has a flier and an envelope of money. She claims she’s selling the baked goods to raise money for Parents of Possum Students, also known as P.O.P.S., Peabody said. That’s a parents group for Possum School.
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The woman allegedly has told people the money will go toward students who need sports uniforms, police said, as well as for a 5K race.
At least 10 businesses have been approached.
That alarms Clark-Shawnee Superintendent Gregg Morris because the district currently isn’t holding any fundraisers.
“We don’t know the person involved at this point,” Morris said. “When we have events, students are going to parents and it’s students out there, rather than adults.”
Jasmine Stream owns Jazzy Cakes & More on East Main Street. She’s been approached by the woman.
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“I believe she came in a couple of weeks ago but she also came in several months ago,” Stream said.
The small business owner did buy a few baked goods but she later gave them away.
“Because I have my own baked goods here, I just basically offered her a few dollars to kind of help out,” Stream said
Stream was shocked to learn it was a possible scam and hopes others don’t fall victim to it.
Police are still looking into if criminal charges can be filed, Peabody said.
“It depends on the investigation and how many victims we have and possibly a dollar amount,” Peabody said.
Springfield Police will continue to monitor the situation. They have a possible suspect but they haven’t made contact with her at this time.
Anyone who has been approached by the woman is asked to call the Springfield Police Division at 937-324-7680.
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