MILLERSVILLE, Md. — Anne Arundel County Police say there was no apparent fraud or scam regarding a GoFundMe account set up for officers injured in the line of duty last week.
WMAR-2 News Learned the campaign was set up by a Pasadena mom who has ties to both law-enforcement and the military. Over the phone she told reporter Dave Detling it was all a misunderstanding.
“No good deed goes unpunished,” she said. “That’s been my motto all weekend.”
She asked that WMAR-2 News not publicize her name because of the backlash, adding her daughter was also involved in the fundraising effort.
“I just wanted to show her how to give back and help people in our community.”
During Last week’s manhunt for 28-year-old Joseph Willis the mother-daughter duo also dropped off supplies to first responders.
“We brought snacks and beverages to dispatch and the Northern and Eastern Police Station,” she said.
They provided WMAR-2 News with a picture of a shopping cart filled with supplies.
Despite the confusion and criticism, Anne Arundel County Police commended the family’s efforts.
Moving forward the department asks people reach out to them for proper protocol. The original fundraiser was not vetted or approved by family.
“We absolutely appreciate efforts that are made by our community members to show their love and support and care and efforts to raise money for the officers but we need to be mindful,” said department spokesperson Mark Limansky. “We have been having conversations with the individual who posted the Go Fund Me and we are working with her to get this properly set up.”
A more detailed fundraiser for the detectives will be announced on the police department’s social media platforms. The Pasadena family is collaborating with those efforts.
The officers are out of the hospital and recovering with their families.
