Authorities say a 19-year-old woman scammed more than 400 donors, accumulating over $37,000, with false claims that she suffered from cancer, which she had allegedly touted on social media.
Madison Russo was charged with theft on Jan. 23, according to the Eldridge Police Department in Eldridge, Iowa.
According to the press release, Russo allegedly made false claims including that "she suffered acute lymphoblastic leukemia, stage 2 pancreatic cancer and a tumor the size of a football."
In an investigation, subpoenas for medical records were obtained and confirmed Russo has never been diagnosed with any kind of cancer or tumor from any medical facilities in the area.
Authorities confirmed to "Good Morning America" that they are using Russo's social media as evidence in her case, but will not confirm which social media.
A GoFundMe page was allegedy established on behalf of Russo and was highlighted in a local newspaper, and she was also a guest speaker at St. Ambrose University, the National Pancreas Foundation in Chicago and on a podcast for Project Purple, the press release said.
Authorities said witnesses "who have medical experience" worked with an investigating officer to find "medical discrepancies" in Russo's photos posted on her social media, discovering Russo allegedly accepted private donations from "other businesses, nonprofit organizations, school districts and private citizens."
ABC News medical contributor Dr. Darien Sutton reviewed some of...
Hyderabad: BRS leader Aedla Sudhakar Reddy strongly criticised the statements of HYDRAA commissioner A.V. Ranganath regarding the status of Bathukammakunta. The official had claimed that the place...