Florida Woman Arrested After Allegedly Faking Cancer for Donations
A Florida woman is facing a felony theft charge after authorities accused her of pretending to have cancer and collecting more than $40,000 from people who believed they were helping her pay for treatment. According to…
A Florida woman is facing a felony theft charge after authorities accused her of pretending to have Cancer and collecting more than $40,000 from people who believed they were helping her pay for treatment.
According to Fox News, Maribeth Ellen Jones, 51, of Bonita Springs, was charged with grand theft between $20,000 and $100,000. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office said she surrendered at the Naples Jail Center after detectives obtained an arrest warrant.
Investigators said Jones worked as an activities director in the community and told residents between 2022 and 2024 that she had Cancer and was undergoing treatment.
The claim allegedly prompted hundreds of people to give her money. Detectives said Jones also portrayed her condition as worsening, at one point allowing community members to cut her hair so she would appear to be preparing for chemotherapy.
According to investigators, residents organized a GoFundMe campaign on Jones’ behalf, with the proceeds connected to her personal bank account. People also allegedly gave her cash and checks directly.
The sheriff’s office said Jones had previously been the beneficiary of two other GoFundMe campaigns in which she also claimed to have Cancer