Three people have been accused of allegedly accepting money from donors after claiming they were family members of a little girl with cancer, and it was discovered that they allegedly have no relation to the child or the fundraising efforts for her recovery.
The family of a 6-year-old girl named Kaylee who was diagnosed with a type of cancer called Wilms’ tumor, which mostly affects youngsters and is found in the kidneys, started a fundraiser in hopes of gaining financial support for their daughter’s medical needs. A campaign that they dubbed “Kicking it with Kaylee” was created by the child’s relatives to raise awareness of their cause.
People in Syracuse, New York, and some surrounding neighborhoods reported that they were visited at their homes by three people who said they were Kaylee’s family members that presented a picture of the child when asking for donations. It is believed that the photo was taken from an online news site and being used to help convince people that they were legitimate proponents for the cause, and donators allegedly gave hundreds of dollars in support.
When the family found out that money was being collected in that manner they stated that they do not solicit door-to-door, and it was suspected that their campaign was being used in a fraudulent manner.
The Onondaga County Sheriff’s office has arrested 44-year-old Roger Dunn, his wife, 34-year-old Nicole Dunn, and 27-year-old Earl Woodridge as the suspects of the alleged scam. The authorities purport that one of the alleged perpetrators knows Kaylee’s family personally.
On the day of the arrests, her parents shared that they had just been notified that Kaylee has won her battle with cancer.
All three of the suspects were booked into the Justice Center, and they are each facing charges of first-degree scheme to defraud, second-degree criminal impersonation and first-degree attempt to scheme and defraud for the allegations.
If you or someone you love is suspected of fraud, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.