IOWA — Madison Russo allegedly made use of social media to spread consciousness about her fight with cancer and to elevate virtually $40,000 on GoFundMe — but the complete operation was a fraud, according to Iowa law enforcement, who have charged Russo with theft.
Russo, a 19-12 months-aged TikTok content material creator, lifted more than $37,303 from 439 donors by falsely proclaiming she endured from acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Stage 2 pancreatic most cancers, and a tumor the “dimension of a soccer, that wrapped all over her spine,” according to a information release from the Eldridge Law enforcement Division.
Law enforcement explained anonymous witnesses with “health-related working experience” pointed out “medical discrepancies” in Russo’s social media presence to the investigating officer. A subpoena for health-related records uncovered Russo had “never been diagnosed with any form of cancer or tumor from any professional medical amenities within the Quad Metropolitan areas or encompassing metropolitan areas,” in accordance to the launch.
Russo, a resident of Bettendorf, Iowa, was arrested for theft by usually means of deception on January 23, states the release.
Law enforcement explained they are nevertheless doing the job to establish alleged victims of Russo’s theft. In addition to soliciting donations on GoFundMe, Russo also “recognized personal donations from other companies, non-gain companies, college districts and private citizens,” in accordance to police.
GoFundMe informed CNN they experienced eliminated the fundraiser, banned Russo from employing the system, and refunded all donors.
“GoFundMe has a zero tolerance plan for misuse of our system and cooperates with regulation enforcement investigations of individuals accused of wrongdoing,” mentioned the corporation in an emailed assertion. “All donors have been refunded and we have taken out this fundraiser. The beneficiary has also been banned from working with the platform for any long term fundraisers. GoFundMe’s Providing Ensure offers a whole refund in the exceptional scenario when a little something isn’t right this is the very first and only donor defense assurance in the crowdfunding marketplace.”
Russo was outspoken about her alleged wrestle with cancer, conducting interviews with nearby press and sharing her story on social media. In Oct 2022, she spoke with the Eldridge-dependent North Scott Press for a profile centered on her encounter with most cancers. She also mentioned her cancer journey as a visitor speaker at St Ambrose College and at the National Pancreatic Foundation in Chicago, in accordance to the police information launch.
Andrea Jaeger, Russo’s legal professional, informed CNN she experienced no remark at this time.
