A Florida woman was arrested after she allegedly faked a cancer diagnosis in order to scam more than 200 people out of $40,000.
Maribeth Ellen Jones was arrested on Wednesday, August 5, and charged with grand theft between $20,000 and $100,000, according to online jail records viewed by Us.
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement that the investigation revealed that Jones, 51, allegedly defrauded 238 residents that lived in a Naples community.
While working as an activities director in the community, Jones allegedly told residents that she had cancer and was undergoing treatment between 2022 through 2024.
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“Detectives said she went to great lengths to make her story believable, including pretending her condition was worsening and even having community members cut her hair under the guise of preparing for chemotherapy,” the sheriff’s office said in the statement.
Many of the residents grew concerned for Jones amid her alleged health battle, eventually creating a GoFundMe page linked to her personal bank account to support Jones in her faux time of need. Additionally, members of the community gave her cash and personal checks.
Authorities learned during the investigation that Jones had been the beneficiary of two previous GoFundMe campaigns, in which she asked for money while claiming to have cancer. The sheriff’s office added in the statement that detectives learned she lied about her fake ailment and used the money the community members gave her to pay off her personal debts.
Once authorities acquired enough evidence to press charges, detectives obtained a warrant for her arrest on a second-degree felony charge and Jones turned herself in at the Naples Jail Center soon after.
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“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,” Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said in the statement. “If you lie to steal from the generosity of others in Collier County, we will arrest you and hold you accountable.”
Rambosk continued, “This type of scam not only hurts victims financially, it undermines trust in legitimate fundraisers for people who genuinely need help.”
Jones remains in custody at the Collier County Jail, according to online records reviewed on Monday, August 10. She is scheduled to appear in court on August 31 regarding the charge.
It is not currently clear if Jones has entered a plea or retained legal counsel following her arrest.
The investigation into the case remains ongoing.
