Blades- The Delaware State Police have arrested 44-year-old Rodney A. Hearn of Seaford, DE after he impersonated a vet to solicit donations.

On January 7, 2020 at approximately 5:25 p.m., Troopers responded to the 100 block of Meadows Drive, Blades, for a report of a suspicious person going door to door soliciting money.  It was learned that the suspicious person (Hearn)made contact with five residents, four who were over the age of 62, and advised that he was a Marine Veteran with multiple sclerosis, and affiliated with the local VFW.  Hearn indicated to the victims that he was soliciting donations for an alleged Valentine’s Day 5k for M.S.  Hearn received several monetary donations and provided the victims with a handwritten receipt.

While in the neighborhood, a Trooper observed an individual matching the description of the suspicious person.  The Trooper made contact with the individual, Rodney Hearn.  A computer inquiry reveled that Hearn had an active warrant for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.  Hearn was taken into custody without incident and found in possession of a receipt booklet and drug paraphernalia.  All of the money that Hearn had collected was returned to the victims.

Hearn was transported back to Troop 5 where he was charged with the following:

• Theft by False Pretense Where the Victim is 62 years or older (Felony) (4 counts)
• Criminal Impersonation by Pretending to Represent Some Person or Organization (5 counts)
• Theft By False Pretense
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Hearn was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court and released on his own recognizance.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 010820 1331

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