Florida woman arrested for faking cancer and stealing over $40,000 from donors
Maribeth Ellen Jones, 51, was charged with grand theft after allegedly duping hundreds of Naples residents into giving more than $40,000 through bogus cancer fundraisers.
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office charged Maribeth Ellen Jones, a 51-year-old activities director from Bonita Springs, with grand theft after an investigation uncovered a scheme that targeted 238 Naples residents. Jones claimed she was battling cancer and needed funds for chemotherapy, persuading community members to cut her hair and donate via GoFundMe pages that routed money to her personal account. Between 2022 and 2024 she amassed more than $40,000, which she allegedly used to settle personal debts.
After detectives obtained a warrant, Jones turned herself in at the Naples Jail Center. GoFundMe confirmed the removal of her fundraisers, refunded over $41,000 through its Giving Guarantee, and barred her from future use of the platform. Sheriff Kevin Rambosk emphasized that the fraud undermines trust in legitimate charitable campaigns.
Why it matters
The case highlights how online fundraising can be exploited, urging donors to verify charities before giving.
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