Topline: Investigators say the couple told community members their 15-year-old had cancer, prompting fundraisers and online donations before medical records revealed no such diagnosis.
Published: March 11, 2026 8:26 am ET
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Stephanie Skeris, left, and Edward Downing (via Dixie County Sheriff’s Office)
CROSS CITY, FL — Two Florida parents have been arrested after investigators say they falsely told community members their teenage son had cancer in order to raise money through local fundraisers and online donation campaigns.
According to the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office, arrest warrants were issued Feb. 27, 2026, for Edward Downing and Stephanie Skeris following a months-long investigation by the agency’s Criminal Investigations Division into what authorities describe as a fraudulent scheme involving their 15-year-old son.
Sworn affidavits filed by investigators allege the pair repeatedly told community members, businesses, and media outlets that their son had cancer in order to solicit financial donations. But after reviewing medical records and consulting with healthcare providers, investigators determined the juvenile had not been diagnosed with cancer and that Medicaid covered his legitimate medical expenses, according to the sheriff’s office.
The investigation found the situation began in December 2024, when the parents sought medical care for the teen because of weight loss and other concerns. Medical providers conducted evaluations and testing but did not identify cancer or tumors. Instead, doctors recommended nutritional support, monitoring, and follow-up care, authorities said.
Despite those findings, investigators say the defendants allegedly told others the teen had cancer affecting multiple parts of his body, including his chest and internal organs.
According to the sheriff’s office, the claims led to several fundraising efforts in the community. Local businesses hosted events where donations were collected under the belief the money would be used to pay for cancer treatment and related medical expenses.
Investigators also identified a bank account that was promoted as being dedicated solely to the juvenile’s medical costs. However, financial records obtained during the investigation showed donated funds were allegedly spent on personal purchases, including retail transactions, fuel, restaurant meals, and cash withdrawals, authorities said.
The sheriff’s office also reported that online fundraising efforts were used to collect donations, including a campaign on the crowdfunding platform GoFundMe that sought money for alleged cancer treatment and surgery.
During the investigation, medical professionals and child protection investigators raised concerns about the teen’s well-being and medical care, according to authorities. The juvenile was eventually placed in protective care, where medical providers continued evaluating and treating him.
Downing and Skeris were each charged with scheme to defraud, communications fraud, and neglect of a child. Each charge is a third-degree felony under Florida law, the sheriff’s office said.
Bond for both defendants was set at $75,000 each — $25,000 per charge — and both were arrested on Feb. 27 and later released after posting bond.
The sheriff’s office said it recognized the generosity of community members and local businesses who contributed to the fundraisers in good faith, believing they were helping a sick child.
“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 agency said in a statement, adding that it remains committed to holding individuals accountable for crimes involving fraud, exploitation, and child welfare.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Police: Florida Parents Allegedly Faked Teen Son’s Cancer to Collect Donations
Investigators say the couple told community members their 15-year-old had cancer, prompting fundraisers and online donations before medical records revealed no such diagnosis.
By Jacob Charles
Published: March 11, 2026 8:26 am ET
Stephanie Skeris, left, and Edward Downing (via Dixie County Sheriff’s Office)
CROSS CITY, FL — Two Florida parents have been arrested after investigators say they falsely told community members their teenage son had cancer in order to raise money through local fundraisers and online donation campaigns.
According to the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office, arrest warrants were issued Feb. 27, 2026, for Edward Downing and Stephanie Skeris following a months-long investigation by the agency’s Criminal Investigations Division into what authorities describe as a fraudulent scheme involving their 15-year-old son.
Sworn affidavits filed by investigators allege the pair repeatedly told community members, businesses, and media outlets that their son had cancer in order to solicit financial donations. But after reviewing medical records and consulting with healthcare providers, investigators determined the juvenile had not been diagnosed with cancer and that Medicaid covered his legitimate medical expenses, according to the sheriff’s office.
The investigation found the situation began in December 2024, when the parents sought medical care for the teen because of weight loss and other concerns. Medical providers conducted evaluations and testing but did not identify cancer or tumors. Instead, doctors recommended nutritional support, monitoring, and follow-up care, authorities said.
Despite those findings, investigators say the defendants allegedly told others the teen had cancer affecting multiple parts of his body, including his chest and internal organs.
According to the sheriff’s office, the claims led to several fundraising efforts in the community. Local businesses hosted events where donations were collected under the belief the money would be used to pay for cancer treatment and related medical expenses.
Investigators also identified a bank account that was promoted as being dedicated solely to the juvenile’s medical costs. However, financial records obtained during the investigation showed donated funds were allegedly spent on personal purchases, including retail transactions, fuel, restaurant meals, and cash withdrawals, authorities said.
The sheriff’s office also reported that online fundraising efforts were used to collect donations, including a campaign on the crowdfunding platform GoFundMe that sought money for alleged cancer treatment and surgery.
During the investigation, medical professionals and child protection investigators raised concerns about the teen’s well-being and medical care, according to authorities. The juvenile was eventually placed in protective care, where medical providers continued evaluating and treating him.
Downing and Skeris were each charged with scheme to defraud, communications fraud, and neglect of a child. Each charge is a third-degree felony under Florida law, the sheriff’s office said.
Bond for both defendants was set at $75,000 each — $25,000 per charge — and both were arrested on Feb. 27 and later released after posting bond.
The sheriff’s office said it recognized the generosity of community members and local businesses who contributed to the fundraisers in good faith, believing they were helping a sick child.
“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 agency said in a statement, adding that it remains committed to holding individuals accountable for crimes involving fraud, exploitation, and child welfare.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Police: Florida Parents Allegedly Faked Teen Son’s Cancer to Collect Donations
Investigators say the couple told community members their 15-year-old had cancer, prompting fundraisers and online donations before medical records revealed no such diagnosis.
By Jacob Charles
Published: March 11, 2026 8:26 am ET
Stephanie Skeris, left, and Edward Downing (via Dixie County Sheriff’s Office)
CROSS CITY, FL — Two Florida parents have been arrested after investigators say they falsely told community members their teenage son had cancer in order to raise money through local fundraisers and online donation campaigns.
According to the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office, arrest warrants were issued Feb. 27, 2026, for Edward Downing and Stephanie Skeris following a months-long investigation by the agency’s Criminal Investigations Division into what authorities describe as a fraudulent scheme involving their 15-year-old son.
Sworn affidavits filed by investigators allege the pair repeatedly told community members, businesses, and media outlets that their son had cancer in order to solicit financial donations. But after reviewing medical records and consulting with healthcare providers, investigators determined the juvenile had not been diagnosed with cancer and that Medicaid covered his legitimate medical expenses, according to the sheriff’s office.
The investigation found the situation began in December 2024, when the parents sought medical care for the teen because of weight loss and other concerns. Medical providers conducted evaluations and testing but did not identify cancer or tumors. Instead, doctors recommended nutritional support, monitoring, and follow-up care, authorities said.
Despite those findings, investigators say the defendants allegedly told others the teen had cancer affecting multiple parts of his body, including his chest and internal organs.
According to the sheriff’s office, the claims led to several fundraising efforts in the community. Local businesses hosted events where donations were collected under the belief the money would be used to pay for cancer treatment and related medical expenses.
Investigators also identified a bank account that was promoted as being dedicated solely to the juvenile’s medical costs. However, financial records obtained during the investigation showed donated funds were allegedly spent on personal purchases, including retail transactions, fuel, restaurant meals, and cash withdrawals, authorities said.
The sheriff’s office also reported that online fundraising efforts were used to collect donations, including a campaign on the crowdfunding platform GoFundMe that sought money for alleged cancer treatment and surgery.
During the investigation, medical professionals and child protection investigators raised concerns about the teen’s well-being and medical care, according to authorities. The juvenile was eventually placed in protective care, where medical providers continued evaluating and treating him.
Downing and Skeris were each charged with scheme to defraud, communications fraud, and neglect of a child. Each charge is a third-degree felony under Florida law, the sheriff’s office said.
Bond for both defendants was set at $75,000 each — $25,000 per charge — and both were arrested on Feb. 27 and later released after posting bond.
The sheriff’s office said it recognized the generosity of community members and local businesses who contributed to the fundraisers in good faith, believing they were helping a sick child.
“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 agency said in a statement, adding that it remains committed to holding individuals accountable for crimes involving fraud, exploitation, and child welfare.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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