While the community mourns the loss of Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Deputy Dennis Wallace and is looking for ways to help his family and friends, some individuals are using it as an opportunity to put cash in their wallets.
The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department is warning of fraudulent accounts soliciting donations to help the Wallace family.
“As with any tragedy there are always those criminals who find a way to take advantage of the great people in our community who want to help,” the sheriff’s department stated in a news release. “We are aware of two Go Fund Me accounts using a photo of Deputy Wallace.”
Detectives are currently investigating who the two accounts belong to. The two accounts have been removed from the site.
The Go Fund Me site advises that people should only make donations to people they know and trust. Those considering a donation to an account on the site should look into the person who created the account. The site will refund donations if a fraud is determined.
In addition to the online scams, the sheriff’s department also is warning of telephone solicitations being made in Wallace’s name. The Sheriff’s Department, nor any other group, association, or organization is collecting money or donations via phone call from community members.
Turlock Christians’ Young Republican Club is doing a verified fundraiser for the Wallace family.
People wishing to make a donation to the Wallace family can do so through the official channel. A Memorial Fund for Deputy Dennis Wallace has been established by the Stanislaus Sworn Deputies Association. Donations can be made in several ways: In person at any West America Bank branch to the Dennis Wallace Memorial Fund; by mail to: Stanislaus Sworn Deputies Association, PO Box 2314, Ceres, CA 95307; or online at https://www.stanislaussworn.com/donation.html.
Wallace, 53, of Hughson was killed by an armed suspect Sunday morning at the Fox Grove fishing access after going to check on a suspicious vehicle. The suspect, David Machado, 37, of Keyes remains in custody at the Stanislaus County Jail and has entered a not guilty plea to all the charges against him.
The memorial service celebrating the life of Wallace is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Nov. 22 at CrossPoint Community Church located at 1301 12th Street in Modesto.
The memorial service will be open to the public. Community members who wish to attend should plan for an early arrival as parking will be limited. The following streets will be closed from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. that day: Needham Street between College Avenue and McHenry Avenue; 12th Street between Needham Street and L Street; and M Street between Needham Street and 11th Street.
After the service, a procession leading to Lakewood Memorial Park in Hughson will begin at 11th Street and Needham. All of 11th Street, as well as many other streets along the route, will be closed until the last car in the procession passes through.
