Two Florida parents have been charged with multiple counts of fraud and child neglect after allegedly fabricating a story about their teenage son having cancer to raise thousands of dollars in donations, according to police reports.
Arrest and Charges
Edward Downing and Stephanie Skeris were arrested on February 27, 2026, by the Dixie County Sheriff's Office. They face charges including scheme to defraud, communications fraud, and neglect of a child—all third-degree felonies in Florida that carry potential penalties of up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Elaborate Deception Uncovered
The alleged scheme began in December 2024 when the couple took their son, now 15 years old, to a hospital. Despite medical professionals finding no evidence of cancer, Downing and Skeris reportedly began telling community members that their son had cancer in multiple areas of his body.
Police investigation revealed the parents created an elaborate fundraising campaign that included both in-person events and online solicitations. In March 2025, they organized a donation drive at a local pizza restaurant where $3 from every purchase was supposedly directed toward the boy's cancer treatment.
Online Fundraising and Misuse of Funds
The couple established a GoFundMe page to solicit additional donations online for what they claimed were cancer treatments and surgeries. They also promoted a dedicated bank account that was presented as being exclusively for the teenager's medical expenses.
Financial records examined during the investigation showed that instead of using donations for medical purposes, Downing and Skeris allegedly spent the money on personal purchases including clothing, fuel, restaurant meals, and cash withdrawals.
Community Impact and Response
The Dixie County Sheriff's Office acknowledged the community's generosity in responding to what they believed was a legitimate medical crisis. "The Dixie County Sheriff's Office recognizes the generosity and compassion of the community members and businesses who contributed in good faith, believing they were helping a child in need," the department stated publicly.
Child Welfare Concerns
Both investigators and medical professionals raised concerns about the teenager's wellbeing and medical treatment during the investigation. As a result, the 15-year-old has been placed into protective care while the legal proceedings continue.
Downing and Skeris were released on bond following their arrest, and a court date has not yet been scheduled. The case highlights the disturbing exploitation of community goodwill and the serious consequences of fraudulent fundraising activities that prey on people's compassion for sick children.
