Columbia Basin Herald warns of Othello impostor

OTHELLO — A woman allegedly posed as a Columbia Basin Herald employee in Othello while requesting donations to help an ill child.

The woman is not a newspaper employee, nor is the newspaper collecting money for the child, said Harlan Beagley, the newspaper’s publisher.

The woman was described to a newspaper vendor as having long, dark, wavy hair and last seen wearing jeans and a striped shirt, Beagley said.

She may have been driving a green mini-van, he said.

She allegedly gave the name of “Mary” to people and businesses in Othello, he said.

David Inks, Othello Police Department assistant chief, said his department received information about a woman trying to raise money.

She was allegedly telling people she is trying to help send a child to Florida because of an illness.

Inks wasn’t able to confirm or deny other details, as the department hasn’t received that information.

If asked, he will inform the public the newspaper is not collecting money for the child.

To report information about the case, contact Beagley, at the newspaper, at 509-765-4561, ex. 115, or Inks, at the police department, at 509-488-3314.

— Staff report