A Florida woman is accused of deceiving hundreds of people in her community into believing she was battling cancer, with investigators alleging the story was fabricated in order to collect donations.
Maribeth Ellen Jones, 51, of Bonita Springs, was arrested this week after an investigation by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.
Detectives say that between 2022 and 2024, Jones told residents she had cancer and received more than $40,000 from 238 donors.
According to the sheriff’s office, Jones had worked as an activities director in a Naples-area community and now faces a charge of grand theft between $20,000 and $100,000.
Investigators allege the donations came through online fundraising efforts, cash and personal checks, and that she took extensive steps to make the illness appear real.
Residents were allegedly told her health was deteriorating and that she was undergoing treatment. At one stage, community members even cut her hair because they believed she was preparing for chemotherapy.
The sheriff’s office said residents wanted to support Jones after learning of her supposed diagnosis.
A GoFundMe campaign was later set up for her, and investigators said it was linked to her personal bank account.
Detectives also said they found two earlier GoFundMe fundraisers in which Jones had allegedly claimed she had cancer, launched in 2018. Their investigation concluded that she did not have cancer and that the money was instead used to address personal debts.
According to an arrest affidavit, when asked why she chose to fabricate a cancer diagnosis, Jones explained that she fabricated stories about having cancer because she liked the attention it brought her and enjoyed the adulation from people who expressed concern about her circumstances.
The case has prompted renewed concern over how easily fraudulent fundraising appeals can mislead donors, especially when the person seeking help is known within a close-knit community.
Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said people believed they were helping someone with a life-threatening illness, adding, “This is an appalling case because it exploited the kindness and generosity of people who truly wanted to help someone who believed was fighting for her life,” he said.
He added that anyone using false claims to exploit generosity in the county would be held accountable.
The sheriff’s office is urging the public to verify fundraising appeals before donating money.
Officials recommend checking whether the claims can be independently confirmed, reviewing whether there are clear updates or documentation showing how funds are being used, and considering whether people who truly know the individual are backing the appeal.
They also say donors should be wary if they are being pressured to give quickly or if the circumstances described cannot be verified.
Where possible, the sheriff’s office recommends donating directly to the person in need, their hospital or a verified charitable organization.
Jones turned herself in at the Naples Jail Center this week after detectives obtained an arrest warrant.
Rambosk said the wider damage from cases like this goes beyond the direct financial losses to donors. “This type of scam not only hurts victims financially, it undermines trust in legitimate fundraisers for people who genuinely need help,” he said.
A spokesperson for GoFundMe told The Independent: “GoFundMe has zero tolerance for the misuse of our platform and anyone who seeks to take advantage of the generosity of others.
“We can confirm fundraisers organized on behalf of Maribeth Jones were removed from our platform, and her account was banned for any future fundraising.
“More than $41,000 was refunded to donors on the platform through GoFundMe’s Giving Guarantee, which offers a full refund in the rare case something isn’t right.”
Jones has been charged with a second-degree felony and is being held at Collier County Jail on a charge of grand theft involving between $20,000 and $100,000.
The allegations against her have not been proven in court.
She is expected back in court on August 31.