Submitted photo
Robert Gambill of Portsmouth captured this photo of John Snavely — who claims he is homeless — purchasing a 42-inch flat screen TV at Walmart last week with a large pile of cash.
By RYAN SCOTT OTTNEY
PDT Staff Writer
The Scioto County Homeless Shelter responded with frustration Wednesday to photos showing a supposed homeless man purchasing a large TV last week at Walmart. Shelter Director Maureen Cadogan said it’s important not to let it scare people away from giving where it is really needed.
The man, identified as John Snavely, is often found on the corner of 11th and Chillicothe streets next to OSCO in Portsmouth holding a sign that says he is a disabled veteran, has no family, and lives in a tarp tent in the woods. Last week, Snavely was photographed purchasing a 42-inch Sanyo flat-screen television at Walmart in New Boston and paying from a large pile of cash. That television model was listed on Wednesday for $478.98 at Walmart.com.
“All these people out there who are faking the funk — they are jerks,” Cadogan said. “Those people are out there not because it’s fun, but because they’re making good money, and that spot by OSCO is a huge spot.”
She said she has invited Snavely to the homeless shelter, and offered to help get veteran’s assistance, but he refuses.
“I have heard many things about him,” Cadogan said. “He used to work construction, and this was told to me by a former co-worker of his, and he would leave his construction site at lunchtime and go stand by OSCO. He said he made more on the corner of OSCO than he did working for construction.”
Robert Gambill of Portsmouth said he took the photos of Snavely purchasing the TV.
“I bank at Woodforest and I was waiting in line. I turned around and looked and I thought, ‘no way!’,” Gambill said.
Gambill said he actually followed Snavely from OSCO one day. He said Snavely got into a mid-90s red pickup truck that he keeps discreetly parked across the street from the corner on Chillicothe Street and drove to a trailer home in West Portsmouth.
According to the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office, Snavely has filed several theft reports listing his home address as 812 Bellamy Road in West Portsmouth.
The first incident is dated July 21, 2008, when Snavely reported miscellaneous scrap metals stolen from his yard. He told officers that they did not need to pursue the case, and no follow-up was necessary. The second incident came on Jan. 9, 2009, when Snavely reported a coin collection, knife collection and power inverter stolen from his vehicle. He filed another report of stolen metals on June 24, 2009; and on Nov. 26, 2009, he reported that someone had let his dog loose from his property.
All this from the home that he claims he doesn’t have.
Cadogan remembers the first time she fell victim to a homeless scam.
“There used to be a man at the old Big Bear when I first started at the shelter. I went to McDonald’s and got him a huge bag of food with the last of my change that was supposed to last me for the week. Then I used a credit card at Big Bear and bought him enough groceries to feed a family of three for about a week. I handed him the groceries and then I handed him the McDonald’s food. He put it down and holds his sign up,” Cadogan said.
She was so upset, she followed the man one night when he left Big Bear.
“He went to a house that was better than mine,” she said.
Gambill is a member of the Portsmouth Motorcycle Club and participates in charitable activities. Last Christmas season, the PMC collected more than $18,000 for New Boston Police and Portsmouth Fire Department Christmas gift activities. He said it hurts everyone when someone takes advantage of other people’s generosity.
“It makes me mad, because we get out there and we give to people that legitimately need it,” Gambill said. “That kind of thing hurts us, because now you’ve got to wonder about all that other money you’re giving and where is it going? It hurts us as a community who tries to do the right thing when you’ve got someone like this scamming.”
Cadogan said it also hurts the image of real homelessness in Scioto County.
“The shelter itself was in need of funds recently. Those people just go out randomly, but we (the shelter) had to have a permit to go out there and stand. People just drove past us like we were nothing because we didn’t look like they look. If I went out there in ragged clothes and looked they way they look maybe they would give to us, too, but that is so misleading to the community.”
She said it’s always better to give to legitimate organizations rather than to people on the street. She hopes that the few acts of greedy people do not affect the spirit of giving.
“Don’t harden your heart, because the word of God still says ‘Whatever you have done to the least of these you have done unto me.’ Just do it with wisdom and with caution,” Cadogan said.
Snavely could not be located for comment. He was not at the corner of Chillicothe Street on Wednesday, but copies of Gambill’s photos were posted on utility poles there.
Ryan Scott Ottney can be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 235, or rottney@heartlandpublications.com.
showing me his back hurts.. Whatever reason he bought the tv.. I hope it made him happy.. lookn at him u see hes sad. It hurts feeling lonely.. He is always alone. The young girl and guy isnt wit him.you can see they are drug heads.. _if it's the same people. I havent seen them in a while._When you have no family u have nobody. I know some people are mad he has one and they dont.. no matter how he got the money it is his. Has anyone asked what the money is for.. Mayb he would of told you he wanted a nice new tv..
Please learn how to spell. You seem to know an awful lot about him - if you wish to defend him, proper spelling and writing will go much farther.
"Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me."
Looks like the community has publicly admitted being collectively fooled far more than two times.
His sign says he lives in a tent. What did you want to happen when you gave him money? Did you hope his living conditions would improve? Apparently they did....and now everyone has a problem with it.
His sign said that he was a vet and no family. Did he make ANY promises on the sign about what he was going to do with the money?
I just don't get what the big deal is over him purchasing the tv. When you good folks handed him money for YEARS didn't you hope his life would improve and he could be living better. Out of the tent, roof over his head, plumbing, electric.....but how could he continue to keep paying the monthly bills on these types of utilities? U geussed it.
I agree with fruitfly, don't give to panhandlers if you want them to go away. But don't complain when a homeless guy bums for 5 years and ends up with a flat screen tv and a newer truck!!
Precise and to the real point of this "public awareness" exercise.
showing me his back hurts.. Whatever reason he bought the tv.. I hope it made him happy.. lookn at him u see hes sad. It hurts feeling lonely.. He is always alone. The young girl and guy isnt wit him.you can see they are drug heads.. _if it's the same people. I havent seen them in a while._When you have no family u have nobody. I know some people are mad he has one and they dont.. no matter how he got the money it is his. Has anyone asked what the money is for.. Mayb he would of told you he wanted a nice new tv..
For the people, such as Lora Jane, who are against the article because it names him - I would welcome public disclosures of those you mentioned when they do wrong. You quoted the Bible, but you failed to cite that wrongdoers, in the New Testament, were required to be brought before the people in order that their crimes be dealt with publicly.
We should still have giving hearts, but we don't have to be stupid in our generosity.
I do not know how much the businessman paid for these properties. Perhaps the Daily Times could research this. I believe he bought them at a low price with the help of "eminent domain". He wanted to build a shopping mall originally. That fell thru (big suprise!) and he was let off the hook for any losses when the City Schools bought up these properties for the sports complex. I did not buy any of these properties because the city helped him to buy them for this mall that never happened. I am just a regular Joe who has no connections in this town. I do not know any powerful bankers or lawyers. The city ended up losing over 50 pieces of private property that could have supported the city with property tax. I believe the business man has tax abatements anyway... It is instances like this that the citizens and the press should be angry about instead of some random bum who stands on a street corner and collects a few dollars. But hey, what are you gonna do?
I like the article because it clarifies the importance of helping those in need.
Again, I'm not judging any one person-I am however as the bible teaches, looking at this situation and "judging" to see whether it is good or evil. From the first posting on facebook to the newspaper, it's just evil. Every one on here and on facebook and anyone else living and breathing has a past with sin and a present with sin. Perhaps this man hasn't found salvation. BUT at least he's not claiming that he has while living like he has not! Bible truth is truth. You don't have to like it, but it doesn't change the fact that it is still the truth. If you have a problem with the fact that I said we are all guilty then please take a look at Romans 3:23. For those that said posting his sin was okay and that it was dealt with according please look at Matthew 18:15 which says "If you're brother sins against you-GO AND SHOW HIM HIS FAULT IN PRIVATE." Now you can argue with me all you want-but that's what the Lord says and I don't recommend arguing with him-because at the end of the day-you only have what you have because of him!!! I pray this clears up a few things. I want to stress that I'm not angry or mad at anyone. I have been too blessed to be angry. What I am passionate about is leading others to the Lord. This man is one of those people that perhaps was lost; but why would he want to ever change that when so much of the "christian world" lives exactly like the "lost world"
To Highway Patrol-my simple recommendation was to read the bible. I wasn't passing judgement against you, but clearly stating that if you truly believe that this is how God would want his children to behave then you should spend more time in his word!! As far as what you wrote that I can "not be saved"-this only further shows that you should spend time in the word-God is not willing that any perish and ALL can be saved. And one bible verse to share with you, as pertaining to your "mouth of fools" 1 Corinthians 2:14. Prayers my friend :)
Love to all!!
In my opinion the shame all belongs to those that stand out on a corner with a printed list of lies in order to scam people out of money. A large amount of people that do give money to someone like that aren't usually wealty and could have used the money wisely for their own family.
I would also wonder if this person has been frauding the Jobs and Family Services for funds or Social Security for disability payments. I hope that the appropriate people with these organizations will look into this!
Also, what about income taxes? All of us who work are required to pay taxes. I hope this will also alert the IRS to these scams.
I also used to be a big donar dropping money into the Salvation Army Kettles. But when I found out that the Major of the bell ringers are being paid minimum wage, that its not kind hearted people out helping the poor , standing in the cold ringing the bell for free then I stopped. Plus in the late 1990's the Times printed an article that 200 people who received funds from the Salvation Army the year before, were asked to come back the next Christmas and ring the bell for a few hours only one day during the Christmas season, only 1 who had received help the year before, volunteered to pay back to the community to help them.
Years ago, aid was to help war veterans who were fighting for our Freedoms who could not afford Christmas for their family. People who lost their jobs. People who were caught up in the depression.
In this day in age MOST but NOT all, are just lazy people who lay around and keep having kid after kid, who wouldnt take a job if they had a Cadillac pick them up at the front door. They are the same people who come to the food banks that I worked at, who visit every church in town to get all the freebies they can get, not one of them is fit, they are all grossly overweight, greasy hair, dirty clothes.
Charity used to be about people as I mentioned above. Now its about all the losers who get foodstamps and welfare, who want more. Again, not everyone, I REPEAT NOT EVERYONE, but most are like this.
Most people I know who lose their jobs, get another one, move, go back to school. Do you ever see anyone at the homeless shelter who worked at the Prison in Franklin Furnace, A- Plant, etc. of course not. They make a life for themselves after job losses. Most of these charity people look for free handouts their entire life. Again not all.
Dear PDT. If I take a picture of a person in grocery store over-handling fruits and vegatables, will you also publish the picture and a story? That one is more of a public threat than choosing to be panhandled out on the street.
Lora Jane
Personally, I have never given any of them money so I am not offended that he bought a television with his money. If you hand them money, it becomes theirs to spend as they please. It may not be "right", but it is theirs because you gave it to them. Maybe people should give their money to legitimate charities so they would not have to be so upset over a TV.
YOU SAID AS FOLLOWS..
"I'm not saying that what he did wasn't wrong-what I'm clearly saying is that every one of us are all equally guilty of sin. The problem with this county, this state, this country, this world IS THAT THERE IS TOO MUCH LOOKING AT EVERY ONE ELSE AND NOT ENOUGH SELF EXAMINATION".
You are right. I have examined myself, and I dont stand in front of Krogers or OSCO looking for a free hand out and con people thinking I am starving. I am guilty of sin as you say, but who isnt, but we all dont con the public to get free big screen tv's for free by deceiving people acting as if we are starving and homeless. So we have all examined ourselves as you have said we should do, and we have all came to the conclusion, that we all work for our TV's and dont con people at Krogers or anywhere else holding up signs, that say "We Will Work For Food"! "Maybe the sign should say "We Con people for FREE TV's".
Dont give money to these losers. The Church food banks give plenty of food away to people who need to lose 200 pounds. Let these starving beggars go there and get in line also. They can afford cigarettes and Pepsi while holding their signs up, wake up people!
As for the claim made by Miss Lora Jane of the “distasteful” piece written by the Portsmouth Daily Times, I must disagree with you. The way you used the Bible to excuse what this man has done is the wrong way to approach the situation. While you are entitled to your opinion it is important to use the Bible in its proper context. You use the teachings of Jesus to illustrate your point, which is okay if your example is the true lesson of Christ. I find your use of biblical teachings to be way off the mark though. While you have condemned the Times for their warning to the community and used Jesus as an example to bring home your point you have either forgotten or don’t know some of the examples Jesus taught with his own actions. In Luke 20: 45-47 Jesus warned his disciples to beware the scribes.
45 Then, in the hearing of all the people, He said to His disciples, 46 “Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, 47 who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.”
I can understand your frustration with issues like spousal abuse and parents selling food provided by schools for drugs. These are legitimate concerns. However, it is reckless and irresponsible to turn a blind eye to a deceitful person taking advantage of a giving community under false pretenses. This man taking advantage of the local community for personal gain takes away from the abused spouses and young children you have chosen to champion in your statement. This blind eye mentality allows someone capable of working and earning an honest living to steal from those giving thru a deceitful method.
So I don’t come off like I am chiming in just to judge this man like you have accused both the Portsmouth Daily Times and Mr. Gambill let me bring to light some other important lessons given to us from the Bible you referenced in you post.
2Thessalonians 3:7-10 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, 9 not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. 10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.
I use this to illustrate the importance of work. This is something seeming to be lost in this case, unless you consider the method of which this man is making his money work. In which case he is lying to the community to receive his earnings. I would suggest you refer to the statement I wrote earlier to clarify your responsibility to the community with Jesus leading by example.
As far as the lack of love being displayed as you have so adamantly accused those responsible enough to shed light on a scam artist and deceiver like John Snavely. I again have to disagree with your method of thinking. I see this article written by RYAN SCOTT OTTNEY as exactly that… It is a loving piece written to warn a community being taken advantage of by a man using his “veteran” status as a vehicle to receive money from the local community while real American hero’s are abroad risking their life for the freedoms we all enjoy. As a member of the Armed Forces of this great country I am sickened to hear of such an act.
If you chose to live life under the false pretense of love is letting people do as they wish then that is your choice. You are entitled to live your life the way you want. Please don’t chastise those brave enough to stand up against an injustice like this because you feel as though their acts are not what Jesus would do. Don’t tell these men they are acting in a manner that would hurt the community because it does not champion your cause. And please do not use your faith to expose these men for doing the right thing when you are misrepresenting the message of Jesus Christ and Biblical principles because you don’t like what was said. I will end with this. I am a Christian and when my children are wrong then I correct them because it is my responsibility to do so. I don’t turn a blind eye to the act because it reinforces the bad behavior. By correcting them it does not mean I love them any less. Just the opposite is displayed. I am correcting them because I love them and want them to be respectful, responsible, and successful men when they grow up. The act of righting their wrong is a display of love. When Jesus saw someone in the wrong he corrected them because he loved them. I was not to be judgmental. He did it because he loved them and did not want to see them burn in Hell for their sins. We have a responsibility to lookout for our communities and protect one another out of love for our fellow man. This is what has been displayed in the article and by Mr. Gambill. So a thank you would be much more appropriate in this instance. So let me say it for you. Thank you for protecting the community of Portsmouth Ohio from a scam artist depriving others of the loving gifts of the community trying to help.
PRAISE GOD FOR YOU SISTER!! You have taken the words out of my mouth. The people that have plastered his name, well most, all over Facebook, are Christians, I am guessing, cause I do not know them personally, but I just wondered If anyone of them has taken the time to stop and talk to him about Jesus? Probably not, instead they choose to drive by him and make rude comments like--how do you like your TV? How very childish!! I get so sick of people's double standards. I have seen many threats on my page on FB about this man's life, I have written down every name, and copied everything that has been said----THAT IS WHERE I DRAW THE LINE!! NO ONE has the right to make threats. Mr.Gambill is not the only one who has made this story known, I am going to start posting names and comments myself, and maybe even start sending the names of the people who are bashing him, that are "Christians" to local Churches to see how the Faithful Pastors of this County feels about what their people are spreading on Facebook. I am not wanting anyone to feel sorry for him, and yes, I know that he has done wrong, but if we as Christian put away everyone like this, and not show them Christ's love, how are we any better? Thank you for your story Lora!!