The FBI is actively searching for a woman accused of fabricating a terminal brain cancer diagnosis to defraud her loved ones out of tens of thousands of dollars. Vanessa O'Rourke, 37, originally from Harleysville, Pennsylvania, allegedly deceived friends and family by claiming she had glioblastoma, a fatal form of brain cancer, and solicited funds for treatment.
Details of the Alleged Scheme
According to investigators, O'Rourke was indicted on 15 counts of wire fraud in 2018 and has been evading authorities ever since. Between 2015 and 2016, she told her loved ones that she needed money to travel to Australia for an 'experimental treatment.' However, when she journeyed there in April 2016, the FBI alleges she 'engaged in a variety of leisure activities and did not receive any medical treatment.'
Upon returning to the United States, her family and friends organized further fundraising efforts, including creating a webpage and hosting a benefit event at a restaurant. O'Rourke then made a second trip to Australia later that year, again partaking in 'various leisure activities' without seeking any medical care for her supposed illness. In total, she is accused of swindling donors out of $100,000, as per court documents reviewed by CBS Philadelphia.
Current Status and Aliases
O'Rourke currently has a federal warrant issued for her arrest. She has also used the aliases Vanessa Gulinello and Cecilia Vincent Gaeta Lazaro, according to investigators. Her case was recently highlighted on the FBI's Most Wanted social media account. When prosecutors unsealed her indictment in 2020, she was last known to be residing in Queensland, Australia, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Official Reactions
'The allegations in this case are nauseating. O'Rourke is charged with preying upon the kindness and generosity of good people who wished to help those in need. As alleged, there was no need here – only lies, greed and callous manipulation,' stated U.S. Attorney William McSwain at the time of the indictment. Michael J. Driscoll, the special agent in charge of the FBI's Philadelphia Division, added, 'Misleading people about a significant medical diagnosis in order to take advantage of their kind hearts and open wallets is reprehensible.'
The Independent has reached out to the FBI's Philadelphia Field Office for further comment.
