FRANKLIN — At many intersections throughout central Indiana, people stand with signs asking for money.
At the intersection of Jefferson Street and U.S. 31 in Franklin, the WRTV Investigates team stopped to speak with a group that was holding signs to help a sick child.
There have been reports of people seeing similar signs in Greenwood, Columbus and Indianapolis.
The signs read “Donation – Help Maria – Marrow Transplant” in large font.
When asked where Maria is, the group claimed the child was in the country of Turkey.
The group is traveling the area in a Black Kia Sedona van with Texas plate No. RPX1714.
Beyond that, the group was unable to answer simple questions about the child and their reason for raising money.
After consistent questions, the group decided to call the police on reporter Rafael Sanchez.
When police arrived, they realized the group was driving without a license. They had to leave their vehicle and wait for someone to pick them up.
This ended their moneymaking operation for the day.
According to the city of Franklin, the group is in violation of the city’s ordinance. The ordinance states there is no soliciting in the right of way without a permit.
The city says no group has filed a permit to do so in the last four years.
Real-time editor James Howell Jr. assisted in this report.
-
Execution date set for man convicted of killing Beech Grove Officer
Benjamin Ritchie is scheduled to be executed on May 20, 2025 for the 2000 murder of officer William Toney.
"Swerve, duck and dodge': Haughville residents say potholes plague neighborhood
Haughville resident say potholes are interfering with their daily commutes. Indy DPW said the department has received around 8,200 more pothole reports this year, compared to this time last year.
Governor Braun signs property tax relief bill amid controversy
Governor Braun has officially signed a new property tax relief bill following a narrow Senate vote of 27-22, which took place during a late-night session at the Statehouse.
Budget proposal would eliminate caseload standards at Indiana DCS
A Senate version of Indiana’s budget bill would eliminate caseload standards for family case managers at the Indiana Department of Child Services.
