Ohio Mom Accused of Faking Daughter’s Cancer to Collect Thousands of Dollars in Donations
Pamela Reed, 41, has been charged with theft by deception, a felony of the fourth-degree
Noble County Sheriff's Office/Facebook
Pamela ReedA 41-year-old Ohio mom has been charged with theft by deception after allegedly faking that her 7-year-old daughter has cancer.
According to a statement from Noble County Sheriff’s Office, Pamela Reed had been “publicly portray[ing]” her daughter “to be fighting cancer.”
“Several local organizations had participated in fundraising efforts and had made monetary contributions to help the family offset medical expenses,” the police statement added.
They also noted one local organization had donated $8,000 to the family “to aid…cancer treatment expenses.”
“After obtaining information, Sheriff Mackie, along with Detectives and Children Services, began an investigation into the allegation, they were able to confirm that the child did not have cancer," added the statement.
Related: Iowa Woman Who Claimed to Have Cancer in Online Scam Must Pay $39K Restitution
Following her arrest on Jan. 8, police said that Reed “admitted during questioning that she had exaggerated and fabricated medical conditions to receive monetary donations from local organizations.”
She was subsequently charged with theft, by deception, a felony of the fourth degree and her bond set at $50,000.
A Facebook profile called “Our ‘Rae’ of Sunshine - Team Addey Rae” was also created to raise funds for the girl's treatment, including a “Hog roast benefit for Addey Reed” in October 2023.
The profile was used to update followers about Addey-Rae's treatment and condition and included images of her in the hospital.
“Our baby girl is one of the strongest little gals on this planet. 22 tubes of blood today and ultrasounds…she was so brave through it all…Miss Addey, mommy, daddy and her sisters are so ready for this nightmare to be over," reads a post from April 2020.
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The release from Noble County Sheriff's Office concluded with a joint statement issued by Sheriff Jason Mackie and Misty Wells, Director of the Department of Job and Family Services:
“We are extremely proud of the Children’s Services staff along with law enforcement collaborative efforts to quickly act for safety these children. Child abuse and neglect isn't always cut and dry, cookie cutter scenarios. If you as a professional or as a member of our community feel like something just isn’t quite right, don't hesitate, make the report. The grit and devotion of this team is inspiring.”
If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
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