Couple Arrested For Allegedly Faking Son’s Cancer To Collect Donations In US

A couple in the U.S. state of Florida allegedly deceived members of their community by claiming that their teenage son was battling cancer, a claim investigators say was false but helped them collect donations from well-meaning residents.

The suspects, Edward Downing and Stephanie Skeris, were arrested on February 27 following a months-long investigation by the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office into what authorities described as a fraudulent scheme centred on false claims about the boy’s health condition.

According to investigators, the couple repeatedly told community members, local businesses and even media organisations that their 15-year-old son had cancer in order to solicit financial support.

However, authorities said checks of medical records and consultations with healthcare providers showed that the teenager had not been diagnosed with cancer. Investigators also found that the boy’s legitimate medical expenses were already covered under Medicaid, the U.S. government’s health insurance programme for low-income individuals.

Several fundraising events were reportedly organised within the community to support the boy’s supposed treatment. Some of these events were hosted by local businesses, where donations were collected under the claim that the money was needed for cancer treatment and related medical costs.

“It helps tremendously to pay for his doctor visits, so it’s not so hard on us and everything else,” Stephanie Downing said in a March 2025 interview with WCJB.

Investigators said the teenager initially began receiving medical attention in December 2024 after experiencing weight loss and other health concerns. Medical examinations and tests conducted at the time did not reveal cancer or any tumours. Doctors instead recommended nutritional support, close monitoring and follow-up medical care.

Despite these findings, authorities allege that the couple continued telling people that their son had cancer affecting several parts of his body, including his chest and internal organs.

The investigation also uncovered a bank account reportedly set up specifically for the boy’s medical expenses. However, financial records allegedly showed that some of the donated funds were used for personal spending, including retail purchases, fuel, restaurant meals and cash withdrawals.

Authorities further discovered online fundraising efforts, including a campaign on GoFundMe seeking donations for the teenager’s alleged cancer treatment and surgery.

During the course of the investigation, medical professionals and child protection officials reportedly raised concerns about the boy’s welfare and medical care. As a result, the teenager was placed in protective care, where healthcare providers continued to evaluate and treat him.

Both Downing and Skeris have been charged with scheme to defraud, communications fraud and child neglect, offences classified as third-degree felonies under Florida law. Authorities said bail was set at $75,000 for each suspect, and both have since been released on bond.