VENTURA : Donation Solicitor Accused of Fraud
Police on Wednesday arrested a Ventura man suspected of soliciting donations from local businesses while claiming to represent a variety of service organizations.
David Bruce Bush, 43, was booked into Ventura County Jail on suspicion of burglary and theft under false pretenses. Police are looking for additional victims in the fraud case.
Police said Bush went into the Sandwich Factory and Nicholby’s Coffeehouse in downtown Ventura and sold employees flags, trash bags and fire extinguishers for about $40 above cost, saying that the extra money would go to charity.
Those who made donations received phony receipts. To seem more believable, the suspect somehow learned the names of employees before entering the businesses, police said.
Police said Bush claimed to represent several organizations, including Veterans Support Services, Disabled Veterans and even the Ventura Firefighters Assn.
People who think they have been victims of this scam should call Terri Vujea at the Ventura Police Department, 339-4400, Ext. 1676.
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