Minnesota fraud mastermind sentenced to 41.5 years in prison
A Minnesota judge sentenced Aimee Bock, identified as the central figure in the “Feeding Our Future” fraud case, to 41.5 years in prison for her role in a sprawling scheme that stole nearly $250 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds intended to provide meals for hungry children. Her attorneys argued that many of the people involved acted beyond her control, but prosecutors said the fraud caused lasting harm and deeply damaged public confidence in programs designed to help vulnerable families.
A Florida woman has been arrested after investigators said she lied about having cancer and collected more than $40,000 from over 200 people, allegedly using the money to pay personal debts.
Maribeth Ellen Jones, 51, of Bonita Springs, is facing a charge of grand theft between $20,000 and $100,000. She surrendered this week at the Naples Jail Center after detectives secured an arrest warrant on the second-degree felony charge, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office said.
Authorities said Jones, who worked as an activities director in the community, told residents from 2022 through 2024 that she had cancer and was receiving treatment. More than 200 people donated money because they believed she was seriously ill and in need of financial support, according to investigators.
OHIO BROTHERS WHO POSED AS MIDDLE EASTERN ROYALTY RECEIVE LENGTHY SENTENCE FOR $21M FRAUD SCHEME
Maribeth Ellen Jones, 51, of Bonita Springs, has been charged with grand theft between $20,000 and $100,000. (Collier County Sheriff’s Office)
Detectives said Jones went so far as to suggest her health was deteriorating and allowed community members to cut her hair, making it appear as though she was preparing for chemotherapy.
According to the sheriff’s office, supporters set up a GoFundMe page for Jones that was connected to her personal bank account. Investigators said residents also gave her cash and personal checks.
Jones had been the beneficiary of two previous GoFundMe campaigns in which she also claimed to have cancer, the sheriff’s office said.
Detectives said the woman had community members cut her hair to keep up the appearance and make it seem like she was preparing for chemotherapy. (Collier County Sheriff’s Office)
“GoFundMe has zero tolerance for the misuse of our platform and anyone who seeks to take advantage of the generosity of others,” a GoFundMe spokesperson told Fox 13.
“We can confirm fundraisers organized on behalf of Maribeth Jones were removed from our platform, and her account was banned for any future fundraising. More than $41,000 was refunded to donors on the platform through GoFundMe’s Giving Guarantee, which offers a full refund in the rare case something isn’t right,” the spokesperson continued.
Detectives said their investigation determined Jones did not have cancer and that she used the donated money to pay personal debts.
Detectives discovered that Maribeth Ellen Jones lied about having cancer and used the money to pay her personal debts. (Collier County Sheriff’s Office)
She is accused of defrauding 238 Naples residents out of more than $40,000.
“This is an appalling case because it exploited the kindness and generosity of people who truly wanted to help someone they believed was fighting for her life,” Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said in a statement. “If you lie to steal from the generosity of others in Collier County, we will arrest you and hold you accountable.”
“This type of scam not only hurts victims financially, it undermines trust in legitimate fundraisers for people who genuinely need help,” Rambosk added.
