Mother in Ohio Faces Charges for Fabricating Daughter’s Cancer to Solicit Donations: Sheriff’s Office

In Ohio, a mother has been arrested and charged with theft by deception after allegedly faking her daughter’s cancer to solicit thousands of dollars in donations. Pamela Reed, 41, was taken into custody by the Noble County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation began on January 4 when county officials received information about a potential theft by deception case. The tip indicated that a local child had been publicly portrayed as fighting cancer, leading several local organizations to collect donations for the family’s supposed medical treatments. The sheriff’s office, in collaboration with the Noble County Children’s Services, launched an investigation and confirmed that the child did not have cancer.

According to a press release from the sheriff’s office, one local organization had donated approximately $8,000 to the family under the impression that it was for cancer treatment expenses.

Reed, the mother, allegedly went to great lengths to deceive, even shaving her 7-year-old daughter’s head. She claimed her daughter suffered from leukemia, seizures, and was blind in her right eye, as stated in the arrest affidavit. Reed admitted to forging medical documents from her daughter’s provider, falsely stating that the child was diagnosed with cancer, and lied to doctors to obtain seizure medication in her daughter’s name.

The mother also created a Facebook page called “Our ‘Rae’ of Sunshine – Team AddeyRae,” where she regularly posted updates and solicited donations. Reed reportedly told the police that she made these statements because she liked the support received as a result.

Arrested on January 8, Reed was taken to the Noble County Jail. During questioning, she admitted to exaggerating and fabricating medical conditions to receive monetary donations from local organizations.

In a joint statement, Sheriff Jason Mackie and Misty Wells, Director of the Department of Job and Family Services, commended the collaborative efforts of Children’s Services staff and law enforcement in quickly acting to ensure the safety of the children involved. They emphasized that child abuse and neglect cases are not always straightforward and encouraged community members to report any suspicions.

A judge set Reed’s bond at $50,000. The case highlights the serious consequences of individuals exploiting sympathetic narratives for personal gain and the importance of thorough investigations to protect the well-being of those involved.

Munchausen by proxy, a condition where a caregiver exaggerates, fabricates, or induces health issues in a person under their care, is a relevant concept in cases like these. The mother’s actions not only put her child at risk but also misled compassionate individuals and organizations that sought to help a family in need.