CRIME
Ohio Mom Arrested For Allegedly Faking Child’s Cancer For Donations
NOBLE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE/FACEBOOK
An Ohio mother was arrested this week and charged with theft by deception after allegedly pretending her 7-year-old daughter had cancer in order to receive donations.
The Noble County Sheriff’s Office and Noble County Childrens Services received a tip on Jan. 4 that prompted an investigation into Pamela Reed, 41, the sheriff’s office said Tuesday.
Several local organizations had participated in fund raising efforts and had made monetary contributions to help the family offset medical expenses, the sheriff’s office said in a statement. One local organization donated around $8,000 to Reed to help pay for cancer treatment.
Investigators confirmed Reed’s child did not, in fact, have cancer.
Reed was arrested Tuesday and allegedly admitted she had exaggerated and fabricated medical conditions to receive monetary donations from local organizations.
She was charged with theft by deception, a fourth-degree felony, and Noble County Court Judge Jennifer Arnold set her bond at $50,000.
A Facebook profile called Our ‘Rae’ of Sunshine – Team Addey Rae shows posts describing the child’s fake treatments and soliciting donations. A “Hog roast benefit for Addey Reed” was held in October 2023.
Photos on the profile include images of the girl apparently in the hospital, and others in which she has a shaved head.
“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 alongside a photo of numerous blood vials.
“We are extremely proud of the Childrens Services staff along with law enforcement collaborative efforts to quickly act for safety these children, Sheriff Jason Mackie and Misty Wells, Director of the Department of Job and Family Services, said in a joint statement. 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 isnt quite right, don’t hesitate, make the report. The grit and devotion of this team is inspiring.”
TMX contributed to this article.
