CENTEREACH - Suffolk County Police have arrested a Port Jefferson Station woman who was using fraudulent documents to perpetuate a fake fundraising operation.

Police officers responded to a location on Middle Country Road in Centereach after a 911 caller reported a woman was attempting to collect donations under the pretense that she was a representative from the Head Start Program, a federal program that provides educational and health services to low-income children and their families. 

Ellen Burkheimer was arrested by the officers and further investigation by Sixth Squad detectives revealed Burkheimer was using the money she received to purchase heroin and pay rent and other personal expenses.

Burkheimer, 47, of 661 Old Town Road, was charged with scheme to defraud 2nd degree, criminal possession of a forged instrument 2nd degree and criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument. She was arraigned and sent to the Suffolk County Correctional Facility in Riverhead.

Detectives are asking anyone with information on this scheme to call the Sixth Squad at 631-854-8652 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.