Prosecutors said that they have identified the man accused of scamming people for a ride to the hospital and cash.
People from Dublin, German Village, Grandview, Clintonville and the Short North reported being taken by Frank Martire, the alleged scammer.
10TV's coverage of the scam led the Columbus City Attorney's Office to launch an investigation and file charges.
"He has a long criminal history, including crimes of violence," said Bill Hedrick of the Columbus City Attorney's Office.
Martire, 51, is accused of approaching people and asking for a ride to Mount Carmel West Hospital to see his sick wife. When victims dropped him off at the hospital, he allegedly asked for money for a cab ride home.
Prosecutors said that Martire has eight aliases, but no wife.
"It's theft by deception," Hedrick said. "When you're receiving money or goods under false pretenses, that is a form of theft."
When 10TV News attempted to speak to Martire about the incidents, he fled.
Martire was charged with two counts of theft by deception. He faces 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine for each count.
Martire was not arrested because his alleged crimes were not violent. He was issued a summons to appear in court on Sept. 14.
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