Serial con man turned charity director back in court on dishonesty charges

A serial con man, who impersonated a police officer before turning his life around to head up a charity, is back in court on dishonesty charges.

Second Chances director Samuel Mark Narroway has been charged with two counts of dishonest dealings with documents and two counts of being unlawfully on premises — all alleged to have occurred last December at Mobilong, Murray Bridge and Northfield.

Shane Sanchez, representing Mr Narroway, told the Elizabeth Magistrates Court this week "they are contested charges at this point in time".

The case was adjourned until November.

Mr Narroway, who appeared in court wearing a shirt bearing the Second Chances logo, made no comment as he left.

Second Chances vice-chair Leslie Dennis confirmed the latest charges are linked to Mr Narroway's role at the charity but said management remained supportive.

"I have a deep respect for Sam and his work for the organisation and I pray that there is no proof in the accusations made against him," he said.

"He's still involved [in Second Chances] and we're supporting him … we trust that he won't be found guilty."

The charity Second Chances, which helps prisoners and their children, had its funding cut by the state government after the charges were laid.

History of impersonating officials

Mr Narroway has a long history of fraud offending, including a conviction for impersonating a police officer three times in a 24-hour period in 2019.

Using a fake badge and a car with flashing red and blue lights, he and another man pulled over victims and forced one driver to pay a bogus fine.

In 2016, Mr Narroway was fined for posing as a SafeWork SA inspector and conducting phoney inspections at multiple businesses.

He told the ABC in November last year that he spent nearly six years behind bars, and became involved with Second Chances through a friendship with the charity's founders.

"People can change," he said at the time.

"People should be able to deserve a second chance."

Uncertain future for charity

In a media release last month, Mr Narroway said Second Chances was advised on August 6 that funding for its Family Support Service would "cease from 31 December 2026 due to budget constraints".

"This decision places at risk one of the few specialist services in South Australia dedicated to supporting children affected by parental imprisonment," he said.

"If government does not reverse this decision, Second Chances will need approximately $300,000 per year from the community or private sector to continue this work and ensure these children and families are not left out in the cold."

Mr Narroway — who is at various points described as the organisation's director, secretary and general manager — made no mention of the charges against him.

Second Chances has launched an online petition and fundraiser, appealing for donations to keep the service running.

The office of Human Services Minister Katrine Hildyard did not respond to questions about why the government cut funding for Second Chances.

"[The Department of Human Services] has arrangements in place to ensure funded organisations meet contractual obligations," a government spokesperson said.

Prior to the cut, approximately $200,000 in annual government funding was provided to Second Chances.