Steve, he probably had a Mercedes parked around the corner.
There was a news story on a guy pan handling in Seattle a few years ago, the guy was fired from a 6 figure salry job. He never told his wife or family. The guy was able to maintain the lifestyle by begging at innersections. He would leave his house in a suit, go to the Y and change clothes, go to the chosen location and hold up a sign asking for money. No taxes to pay and all cash to take home to mama.
Wakes you wonder, don't it