The Student Newspaper of Murray State

The Murray State News

The Murray State News

The Murray State News

Suspicious persons solicit money on campus

Photo courtesy of the Murray State Police Department
Photo courtesy of the Murray State Police Department

Story by Ashley Traylor, Editor-in-Chief

The Murray State Police Department sent an email to students, faculty and staff on Oct. 24 informing them of a suspicious man soliciting money in academic buildings.

According to the email, the man is selling Rice Krispies Treats and allegedly donating the money to charity. His picture is posted on Murray State University Police Department’s Facebook page.

After Murray State Police posted the man’s photo on their page, they learned the man is not working alone. A woman has also been seen soliciting donations. 

Photo courtesy of the Murray State Police Department

Nick Fuson, freshman from Meade County, Kentucky said he was approached by a woman in front of Waterfield Library.  

“She didn’t say anything, because she seemed sick and couldn’t talk,” Fuson said. “But, she handed me a thank you card and it said she was a student volunteer trying to raise money for a trip by selling Rice Krispies Treats.”

Fuson told her he does not carry money with him on campus.

“She said, ‘Do you carry credit or debit card’ to which I responded ‘No, I don’t have anything,’ and walked away,” Fuson said.

Murray State Police have been unable to verify the validity of the charity, but they wrote on Facebook that the charity the man and woman are supporting is run by Apollo Quiboloy, who is the leader of Philippines-based church, Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

Several students, who commented on the post, said these persons also had card readers, and Murray State Police said they took information on several students’ credit cards.

The man was seen carrying a Bath and Body Works bag, and students who have been approached by the woman have said she carries a black bag.

If you see this person on campus, contact the Murray State Police at 270-809-2222 or through the LiveSafe app.

More to Discover