Yet Another Fraud Sign-Language Interpreter Was Caught

Fake it until you make it, is definitely true for most aspects of our lives. However, it is not always the right decision. This is especially true with what has happened recently. A new fraud sign-language interpreter was caught red-handed during a TV livestream. Derlyn Roberts became viral on TikTok recently with the case of her fake sign interpreting making its way into social media.

The Fraud Sign-Language Interpreter

In 2017, Derlyn Roberts gained notoriety as the sign language interpreter for a significant police news conference in Tampa, Florida. The arrest of a suspected serial killer was announced. Initially believed to be translating the words of Tampa Police Department Chief Brian Dugan, Roberts soon became the center of attention as it became evident that her signing was nonsensical. The incident left many questioning not only the mechanics behind such a bizarre occurrence but also the motivations driving someone to undertake such an unusual act.

In response to the incident, police spokeswoman Janelle McGregor informed Inside Edition that Derlyn Roberts had arrived and represented herself as an interpreter offering services for the news conference. The authorities were actively investigating the situation. They were trying to understand how Roberts became aware of the event and whether someone had hired her to attend the conference.

The Issue With Fraud Sign-Language Interpreters

In the aftermath of the incident, a legitimate interpreter named Windy Rossi translated Derlyn Roberts’ signing during the news conference. However, the translation revealed that Roberts wasn’t conveying coherent phrases or statements. Around three minutes into the conference, she reportedly signed phrases like “Kill 55 million” and other unintelligible expressions.

Windy Rossi noted that the deaf community was being excluded from crucial information in their community. Some reports showed that Roberts was questioned by the police. However, there is no information on whether she faced any legal consequences such as imprisonment.

How the Issue Went Viral

The bizarre case of Derlyn Roberts sparked widespread commentary, with thousands showing their thoughts on the unique incident. Some even suggested she deserved an Oscar for her performance, while others were curious about her motivation. A third user found amusement in her bold move, stating, “She just stepped in and said watch this mess.” The dedication to dressing up and carrying out the act also amused onlookers, with one commenter emphasizing, “The fact that she dressed up and came to do this is killing me lmao… the dedication.“

Amidst the reactions, there was surprise and disbelief, especially regarding the statement, “It’s happened again.” Some were taken aback, wondering if such occurrences were common. While not necessarily common, similar incidents have happened before, with a notable reference to the individual who signed nonsensical gestures during Nelson Mandela’s memorial service, leading to a broader question: who are these people engaging in such perplexing actions?

Situations like these showcase how tough the deaf community really has it. That is why background checks are definitely important in order to avoid further fraud in sign-language interpreters.

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