Charge: Mom faked daughter’s sickness to raise donations

A mom in Ohio has been accused of faking her daughter’s cancer to raise thousands of dollars.

The Noble County Sheriff’s Office said it arrested and charged Pamela Reed, 41, with theft by deception, a fourth-degree felony.

A news release from the sheriff’s office said county officials had received information on Jan. 4 regarding a potential theft by deception case. The sheriff ’s office said the tip was about a local child who had been “publicly portrayed to be fighting cancer,” and several local organizations had collected donations to help the family pay for medical treatments.

An investigation was launched by the sheriff’s office and the Noble County Children’s Services. Investigators were able “to confirm that the child did not have cancer.”

The release said one organization had donated approximately $8,000.

“They also confirmed that one local organization had donated approximately $8,000.00 to the family to aid in the cancer treatment expenses,” the release said.

According to the arrest affidavit, Reed went as far as to shave her 7-yearold daughter’s head.

The mother allegedly claimed her young daughter suffered from leukemia and seizures and was blind in her right eye, the affidavit said.

Reed also admitted to forging medical documents from her daughter’s provider for her school, according to the affidavit.

Police also alleged in the affidavit that Reed lied to doctors to receive seizure medication in her daughter’s name.

Reed also created a Facebook page where she regularly posted updates and asked for donations. Fox 10 identified the page as “Our ‘Rae’ of Sunshine – Team Addey Rae.”

Reed allegedly told police that “she posted those statements because she liked the support given as a result.”

Reed was arrested on Jan. 8 and taken to the Noble County Jail. According to the news release, Reed admitted during questioning that she had “exaggerated and fabricated medical conditions to receive monetary donations from local organizations.”

“We are extremely proud of the Children’s Services staff along with law enforcement collaborative efforts to quickly act (for the safety of ) 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,” Sheriff Jason Mackie and Misty Wells, director of the Department of Job and Family Services, said in a joint statement.

A judge set her bond at $50,000.