Batavia police: Two accused in soliciting scam

BATAVIA – Two Minnesota residents were cited for soliciting without a permit for a business that does not appear to be legitimate, Batavia police announced Friday in a news release.

Ryan P. Choinski, 22, of the 112000 block of Hidden Creek Place, Chaska, Minnesota, and Clara C. Rothstein, 20, of the 26700 block of Noble Road, Shorewood, Minnesota, were cited in Batavia for soliciting without a permit, the release stated.

Choinski was cited after police were called at 6:04 p.m. Sunday to the 700 block of Mandrake Drive in Batavia, and Rothstein was cited after 4:42 p.m. Thursday during a response to the 1100 block of Wind Energy Pass, according to the release.

In each incident, Batavia police were responding to a complaint of a person soliciting money for military care packages from an organization called Vision Packaging LLC, the release stated.

Choinski and Rothstein each admitted to soliciting money from residents in Batavia neighborhoods, according to the release. A further investigation revealed that Vision Packaging LLC does not appear to be a legitimate business associated with any charitable organizations, the release stated.

Batavia police had been notified from other Chicago-area police departments that the group has been the subject of solicitation complaints throughout the area for the past couple of months.

Batavia police do not anticipate additional charges for Choinski and Rothstein in connection to Sunday’s and Thursday’s incidents, Batavia Detective Kevin Bretz said Friday.

The Municipal Code in Batavia requires all solicitors to register and complete a background check with the city before being granted a permit to conduct door-to-door sales. Solicitors who are granted a permit are required to wear a badge affixed to the front of their shirt that contains the permit information, according to the release.

Batavia police reminded residents to be mindful of door-to-door solicitor scams where criminals are taking advantage of generous citizens. Residents are encouraged to call 911 to report people soliciting without permits and any other suspicious activity.