Money from alleged robbery is posted on social media

A City of Imperial family said they were robbed of over $4,000 early this week and they’re not getting the help from El Centro Police they expected.

To make matters worse, the victims of the alleged robbery said they’re shocked to find the suspect posting pictures of their money on social media. Wilma Smith said it’s just more than she can bear.

“I feel really bad about it. That’s underestimate of how i feel. I can’t even describe how bad I feel about the whole thing. Try to do an act of kindness and return with such a bad turnout it’s really upsetting,” Mrs. Smith said.

Hilton Smith said the money lost is money they need urgently for medical bills.

“My wife is dialysis. And that money was earmarked for medical purposes. And to be without that money is very painful for the family,” Mr. Smith said.

They said El Centro Police has not contacted them since Tuesday when they reported the crime.

“My wife has been trying to contact the investigator on this case. She has not had a chance to talk to him personally. She’s left voice messages on his phone. We have not been contacted. But, I do want to point out that the community has responded very positively on social media,” Mr. Smith said.

They said time is running out on recovering the money. They fear the suspect will leave town soon or spend all of the money before the police can arrest him.

“I’d like the El Centro PD to come forward and help us out. We shouldn’t have to be doing all this by ourselves,” Mrs. Smith said.

El Centro PD said the investigation is ongoing.

“It’s just like a bad nightmare,” Mrs. Smith said.

Mr. Smith said he went to the police station to ask for the detective in charge of his case. He said he was told the detective would not be in till Saturday.

Mr. Smith said he’s reaching out to the El Centro Mayor for help.