Charity organizer who reported burglary charged with filing false reports

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Screenshot 2019 05 08 at 2.01.16 AM
Harfield/MPD

MANCHESTER, NH —  Phyllis Harfield, 52, of Manchester turned herself into police on May 7. This comes after a lengthy investigation into claims Harfield made following a reported burglary at her home.

Harfield, who runs a charity called The Helping Elves, told police on December 15, 2018 someone broke into her home and stole $8,000 worth of Christmas presents donated for children in need. As the investigation continued Harfield alleged that she was being harassed. Harfield told police she’d received threatening phone calls on both December 25 and 26, and on two separate occasions someone had approached her in the Dollar Tree Plaza parking lot and threatened her.

Police searched surveillance video of the area, and analyzed Harfield’s phone records. Detectives could not find footage to support her claim that she was approached. They were also able to determine she fabricated the phone calls with her own cell phone.

Through interviews, detectives also learned two items Harfield listed as stolen were not taken. Harfield had included in her report to her insurance company, a television and video gaming system valued at approximately $500.

Harfield is charged with False Report to Law Enforcement (four counts), Falsifying Physical Evidence, and Insurance Fraud. Harfield will be in Hillsborough Superior Court – North on May 23, 2019.

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Manchester NH Police Department

This press release was issued by Manchester, NH, Police Department.