A 20-year-old TikToker has pleaded guilty to first-degree theft in Iowa, USA, for soliciting over $37,000 from online donors by libeling that she has pancreatic cancer and a football-size tumor. She faces up to 10 years in prison for her guilty plea.
In connection with the scheme, Madison Russo faked having stage 2 pancreatic cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and "a tumor the size of a football wrapped around her spine," and she entered a plea on June 14 in Iowa's Scott County District Court.
More than 439 unsuspecting well-wishers, including cancer organizations and school districts, were said to have given her cash.
According to the NY Post, she documented her fictional cancer battle on her TikTok page and in GoFundMe updates.
According to the now-defunct description of her online campaign, Maddie's cancer diagnosis "has been very hard on Maddie's family." This family should not have to worry about the cost of medical bills, gas, meals, and other expenses—just like they would with any cancer diagnosis.
Russo stated in an interview with the North Scott Press last year that she was diagnosed with leukemia and pancreatic cancer on February 10, 2022, respectively.
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