Florida woman accused of faking cancer to scam hundreds out of $40K, police say
A Florida woman was arrested after authorities said she falsely claimed to have cancer and scammed more than 200 people out of more than $40,000 to pay off personal debts. Maribeth Ellen Jones, 51, of Bonita Springs, has been charged with grand theft between $20,000 and $100,000. She turned herself in at the Naples Jail Center this week after detectives obtained a warrant for her arrest on the second-degree felony charge, according to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. Jones, who worked as an activities director in the community, allegedly told residents between 2022 and 2024 that she had cancer and was undergoing treatment, leading more than 200 people to donate to her because they believed she needed help. OHIO BROTHERS WHO POSED AS MIDDLE EASTERN ROYALTY RECEIVE LENGTHY SENTENCE FOR $21M FRAUD SCHEME Detectives said she even pretended her condition was worsening and had community members cut her hair to make it appear she was preparing to undergo chemotherapy. Community members ...