VINCENNES – An Alabama couple is behind bars today after allegedly using children in football uniforms to fleece local businesses and residents out of donation money.
Following an intensive investigation by the Vincennes Police Department, 37-year-old Amanda Peyregne and 47-year-old Andrew Peyregne, both residents of Mobile, Alabama, were taken into custody on Wednesday.
According to police reports, the scam was highly organized and relied on the goodwill of the local community. The couple allegedly traveled through Vincennes with a group of juveniles who were dressed in full football gear.
The group targeted local businesses, claiming they were raising funds for football equipment. However, investigators determined that the children were not affiliated with any local athletic programs, and the money was being collected under false pretenses.
The Peyregnes are currently being held without bond at the Knox County Jail. They face several serious charges, including two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and two counts of theft.
“It’s particularly disheartening when children are used as the face of a fraudulent scheme,” noted local authorities during the preliminary report.
The Vincennes Police Department believes there may be more victims who have not yet come forward. The investigation is still active, led by Detective Kody Waggoner.
Authorities are urging anyone who:
- Was approached by adults and children in football gear for donations.
- Provided money to the group recently.
- Has surveillance footage of the group in or around their business.
If you have information, you are encouraged to contact the Vincennes Police Department at 812-882-1233.
