Published: May 06, 2008 10:39 am            

Help agency confirms area man sought help to visit allegedly ill mother

By Cristin Ross

cross@jacksonvilleprogress.com

It came as no surprise to HOPE Director Fran Daniel to see local law enforcement issue a statement concerning Joseph McGehee and his sick mother last week.

According to New Summerfield Police Chief Paul Hammack, McGehee had reportedly been knocking on doors, soliciting money to “help him go visit his sick mother in Houston or Shreveport, La.”

Hammack said he has received about a dozen phone calls about McGehee, a white man in his 40s driving a silver 2001 Toyota Corolla with license plate No. M57SMC.

Daniel said McGehee had visited the HOPE (Helping Others Pursue Enrichment) offices earlier that week as well.

“He came in with his story and we were more than happy to help,” Daniel said. “We told him we’d contact the hospital where his mother was to confirm his story and that he’d have to see a case worker so we could help. Then he got into a truck that was waiting for him outside and left. He didn’t come back.”

Daniel said citizens are welcome to call the HOPE office anytime a stranger asks them for cash donations for any reason.

“Nine times out of 10, they’ve already been here and wouldn’t accept our help because they are just running a scam. And if they’re not (running a scam), people can always refer that individual to us, where we can help them if they really need it.”

Hammack alerted the Daily Progress, which ran an article outlining McGehee’s mode of operation in the April 30 edition, and advising people who come into contact with McGehee to call the police.

“He’s taking little old ladies for all he can get,” Hammack said. “He’s sort of nasty looking; he’s not someone I’d open the door for.”

If you spot McGehee, call the New Summerfield Police Department at 903-726-3651; the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department at 903-683-2271; or simply dial 9-1-1.

        

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