A local man is seeking funds which are purportedly going to help the family of a recent car crash victim although police and those legitimately raising funds for the girl say he has no ties to the effort.

There are two legitimate fundraising efforts planned for the family of 19-year-old Mallori Louise Reagan, who lost her life in a Northampton County car crash earlier this month, said Jay Barnes, who is helping in planning a December 2 poker run. A December 9 plate sale is also planned, he said.

Captain Bobby Martin of the Roanoke Rapids Police Department identified the man who is reputedly raising funds as 53-year-old Alonzo “Smut” Scott.

(A flyer of the poker run is included as a PDF at the end of this story)

Barnes said Scott is using a flyer for the plate sale with his name written in pencil as a contact.

Martin said police became aware of Scott when he reportedly entered City Electric Supply at 1010 Charlotte Street claiming to be a representative of the fundraiser dedicated to Reagan, saying he would turn the money over to organizers.

When the business owner told him they were already collecting money, he hurriedly left the business, Martin said in a statement.

In an attempt to add legitimacy to his claim, Scott had money and what appeared to be a personal check in his hand he indicated was donated by others.

“We’re just trying to find out if anyone has given him money,” Martin said. “This kind of solicitation is frowned upon, particularly under the circumstances in which it’s being held.”

Barnes said fundraiser organizers are angered by the misrepresentation. “My biggest thing is it’s disrespectful to the family. They’re overwhelmed with the expenses of the funeral and medical bills. One-hundred percent of the funds are going to the family.”

Of Scott, Barnes said, “The more people who know about him the less he will get.”

The legitimate fundraisers include the December 2 poker run, which will depart from Collier Harley-Davidson.

Registration is from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. The ride begins at noon.The registration fee is $15 per bike and $5 per passenger.

For more information contact Barnes at 252-578-1438 or Brandon Wilson at 252-538-1491.

Meanwhile, on December 9 a barbecue chicken plate sale will be held at the VFW on Thelma Road at noon. Plates are $7 and include barbecue chicken, boiled potatoes, baked beans, green beans and a roll.

Martin said anyone who believes they have been scammed is encouraged to call the police department at 252-533-2810; Investigator J. Benthall at 252-533-2898 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.