Maribeth Ellen Jones, 51, of Bonita Springs, Florida, has been arrested after authorities accused her of falsely claiming to have cancer to solicit donations. Investigators said more than 200 people contributed over $40,000, believing the money would support her medical treatment. Jones faces a second-degree felony charge of grand theft involving between $20,000 and $100,000. Authorities said the donated funds were instead used to pay personal debts.
The case emerged from an investigation by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, which said Jones turned herself in at the Naples Jail Center after detectives obtained an arrest warrant. Officials said the alleged scheme affected 238 Naples residents and involved online fundraising, cash gifts and personal checks.
| 1) | Arrest follows allegations of a fabricated illness |
| 2) | Community members were persuaded to donate |
| 3) | Investigators traced the money to personal debts |
| 4) | Fundraising campaigns were removed and donors refunded |
| 5) | Sheriff warns that charitable fraud damages public trust |
Arrest follows allegations of a fabricated illness
Jones, who worked as an activities director in the community, allegedly told residents between 2022 and 2024 that she had cancer and was receiving treatment. Detectives said she described her condition as worsening, prompting residents to provide financial assistance. She turned herself in during the week of August 11, 2026, at the Naples Jail Center after investigators secured a warrant.
The charge is grand theft between $20,000 and $100,000, a second-degree felony under the allegations. The arrest reflects the sheriff’s office finding that Jones did not have cancer, although the case remains an accusation and will proceed through the legal system.
Community members were persuaded to donate
According to detectives, Jones’s claims led more than 200 people in the Naples area to believe she needed help with medical expenses. Residents reportedly organized a GoFundMe campaign connected to her personal bank account, while others gave her cash and personal checks.
Investigators also alleged that Jones had community members cut her hair so that she would appear to be preparing for chemotherapy. The alleged conduct helped maintain the impression that she was undergoing serious treatment and encouraged people to continue supporting her.
Investigators traced the money to personal debts
The investigation concluded that Jones used the donations to pay personal debts rather than cancer-related care, detectives said. Authorities identified 238 Naples residents as alleged victims and placed the total amount collected at more than $40,000.
Detectives also said Jones had been the beneficiary of two earlier GoFundMe campaigns in which she likewise claimed to have cancer. The alleged repeated use of the same medical claim is part of the investigative account presented by authorities in support of the grand theft charge.
Fundraising campaigns were removed and donors refunded
GoFundMe said it removed fundraisers organized on Jones’s behalf and banned her account from future fundraising. The platform said more than $41,000 was refunded to donors through its Giving Guarantee, which provides a full refund in cases where a fundraiser is found not to be legitimate.
“GoFundMe has zero tolerance for the misuse of our platform and anyone who seeks to take advantage of the generosity of others.”
The platform’s response addressed the online donations, while the sheriff’s office investigation also covered money provided outside the fundraising site, including cash and personal checks.
Sheriff warns that charitable fraud damages public trust
Kevin Rambosk, the Collier County sheriff, said the alleged scheme exploited people who wanted to help someone they believed was seriously ill. He said investigators would pursue cases involving claims that target the generosity of residents.
“This is an appalling case because it exploited the kindness and generosity of people who truly wanted to help someone they believed was fighting for her life.”
Rambosk also said fraud of this kind can hurt victims financially and undermine confidence in legitimate fundraisers supporting people who genuinely need assistance. Jones is accused, not convicted, and the charge will be resolved through the courts.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Jones faces a grand theft charge after allegedly collecting more than $40,000. |
| 2 | Authorities identified 238 alleged victims in Naples. |
| 3 | Investigators said she falsely claimed to have cancer from 2022 through 2024. |
| 4 | The fundraising platform removed the campaigns and said donors received refunds. |
Summary
The allegations against Jones center on a false cancer diagnosis, repeated appeals for financial assistance and the alleged use of donations to pay personal debts. Authorities said the case involved hundreds of community members and more than $40,000. The investigation also highlights the financial and social damage that can result when charitable appeals are misused.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested in the case?
Maribeth Ellen Jones, 51, of Bonita Springs, Florida, was arrested after turning herself in at the Naples Jail Center.
How much money is Jones accused of collecting?
Authorities said she collected more than $40,000 from 238 Naples residents through online donations, cash and personal checks.
What charge does Jones face?
She faces a second-degree felony charge of grand theft involving between $20,000 and $100,000.
What happened to the online fundraisers?
The fundraising platform said the campaigns were removed, Jones’s account was banned and more than $41,000 was refunded to donors under its guarantee.
