Maribeth Ellen Jones, 51, from Bonita Springs, Florida, was arrested and charged with grand theft between $20,000 and $100,000 after authorities accused her of faking a cancer diagnosis to scam more than 200 people out of over $40,000. Jones, who worked as an activities director in her community, allegedly told residents between 2022 and 2024 that she had cancer and was undergoing treatment. This led many to donate money believing she needed help to pay off personal debts.

Detectives reported that Jones had community members cut her hair to maintain the appearance of preparing for chemotherapy. She turned herself in at the Naples Jail Center after a warrant was issued for her arrest on the second-degree felony charge, according to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Kevin Rambosk condemned the case, stating, "This is an appalling case because it exploited the kindness and generosity of people who truly wanted to help someone they believed was fighting for her life." He emphasized that "If you lie to steal from the generosity of others in Collier County, we will arrest you and hold you accountable."

GoFundMe, the platform used for fundraising, stated it has zero tolerance for misuse and has refunded the money to donors. Authorities warn that such scams not only cause financial harm to victims but also undermine trust in legitimate fundraisers for those genuinely in need.

Separately noted in the region, Aimee Bock, involved in a separate fraud scheme called 'Feeding Our Future' related to COVID funding, received a 41.5-year prison sentence in Minnesota for stealing nearly $250 million meant to feed hungry children.

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