Panhandlers charged with marijuana possession in Howell

"Broke and homeless," read the sign two women held up for shoppers rushing in and out of Wal-Mart in Howell - until the afternoon that police booked them on marijuana possession charges.

According to police, December 14 wasn't the first time that Brooke Tehrani, 19, of Manalapan, and Laura Maroney, 20, of Matawan, were spotted cadging cash outside the store and other nearby spots.

Patrolman TJ Hurley responded to a report by a passer-by and had to chase them as they dashed for their car, police said, and while in discussion with them, noted the odor of marijuana.

He allegedly found it in the car, along with money they collected during the alleged panhandling excursion.

Both were charged with possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, as well as a citation for violating the township's solicitation ordinance.

Tehrani was ticketed for having tinted window on the car, and a controlled dangerous substance inside it.

Police say that both were released to await municipal hearings, both found the situation humorous, and neither seemed remorseful for allegedly fleecing generous shoppers.