Advertisement Self-proclaimed professional panhandlers net $182 an hour Sacramento couple cited for panhandling Share Shares Copy Link Copy

A Sacramento couple that are self-proclaimed professional panhandlers got into trouble with Modesto police.Watch report: 'Professional' panhandlers rake in moneyMarian Hornea, 27, Elena Hornea, 25, and their two children collected about $366 in just two hours in Modesto. They also were given several gift cards to nearby restaurants.Officers cited the couple for panhandling and released them.The Horneas told officers they use an organized list of locations in various cities throughout the Central Valley to panhandle for the family's income."They have a log," said Heather Graves, a spokesperson for the Modesto Police Department. "It's kind of an organized log. It shows cities they visit. They even have times of days that work best."They even use their 5- and 7-year-old kids to gain sympathy, officers said."To use a child to scam is really, really unconscionable," said Barbara Hankins, who said she prefers to give panhandlers food.On Jan. 3, they set up near Pelandale Avenue.Officers said they found money receipts, in the amount of $2,000 and $1,700, of funds sent to Romania."I give them money, but they're making more than what I do," said Eddie Avila, who has seen the couple many times and has given them money before.Some panhandlers told KCRA 3 the couple has ruined it for the people who really do need assistance.23-year-old Thomas, who declined to give his last name, was laid off months ago and panhandles with his dog in the same area as the couple."There are a lot of people who are doing really bad and having a rough time," said Thomas. "It looks bad. It looks bad for a lot of people."The Modesto Police Department urges citizens to find other ways to give to people who are in need. Police said many panhandlers misdirect their earnings.KCRA 3's Claire Doan contributed to this report.