Army Reservist Scammed Main Street Visitors With Fake Military Fundraiser, Police Say

An Army Reserve member is accused of fraudulently collecting money for a military fundraiser along Main Street historic district in St. Charles.

Kevin P. Lane, 26, of the 11800 block of Ernst Farm Road in Wright City, was charged Monday with misdemeanor theft.

St. Charles Police said officers had warned Lane June 5 that he needed a permit in order to solicit donations along Main Street in St. Charles. An officer found Lane soliciting donations again June 7 on Main Street.

The officer said Lane, a member of the U.S. Army Reserve based in Fort Leonard, was collecting donations for an officially endorsed military fundraising program called “Party in the Park.”

Police said he showed people along Main Street "sensitive military documents" to convince them his fundraising was legitimate.

He told the officer his company commander had authorized him to collect funds on behalf of his unit. However, he gave the officer false names of his company commander and first sergeant.

His company commander told police he had not authorized Lane to collect funds for a fundraiser.

Police said he collected $67 in cash on June 7.

Lane posted a $10,000 bond Monday and was released from jail.