A 41-year-old Ohio mother has been charged with theft by fraud after allegedly lying for years that her 7-year-old daughter had leukemia.
by Noble County Sheriff's OfficePamela Reid “publicly portrayed” her 7-year-old daughter's health and even went so far as to shave her daughter's head.
The mother said she “liked the support” she received as a result of the fake cancer scheme, according to a police affidavit.
For years, authorities say, the 41-year-old mother flaunted her daughter's fake cancer diagnosis to local organizations that started fundraisers and donated money to help offset the family's medical costs. .
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On January 8, 2024, Sheriff McKee, along with detectives, arrested Pamela Reed, 41, of Pleasant City, Ohio, and transported her to the Noble County Jail. (Noble County Sheriff's Office)
Sheriff Jason McKee said a local organization donated $8,000 to the family.
in A Facebook page named “'Ray' of Our Sunshine – Team Addi Ray,” Reid writes regularly with updates about her daughter's alleged cancer treatment.
In October 2023, this page posted an article about the “Pig Roast Benefit for Addie Reed'' to raise money for the girl's medical expenses.
The page has received more than 1,000 likes and has received an outpouring of support for Reed's daughter, with many writing to say they are praying for her daughter's health.
Sick child's hand holding saline solution. (St. Petersburg)
Reed's elaborate façade ended on Jan. 8, when she was arrested following an investigation by local police and Noble County Children's Services.
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The sheriff's office said authorities received information about the mother's plan four days before Reed's arrest.
According to the affidavit, Shenandoah Elementary School reported Reed's lies to authorities after contacting her daughter's health care provider, who told them that her 7-year-old daughter had not been diagnosed or treated for cancer or leukemia. It has been confirmed.
Reed reportedly told the school that her daughter was also blind in her right eye and would need immediate surgery.
The elementary school said it was also concerned that the 7-year-old had missed 280 hours of school this school year.
Police said the investigation also confirmed that Reed's daughter was “free from cancer.”
When Reed was interrogated by police, her mother admitted that she had “exaggerated and fabricated her medical condition in order to receive donations from local organizations.''
According to the affidavit, Reed admitted to authorities that he shaved his daughter's head to continue the facade of her daughter's false diagnosis.
Reed also admitted that he obtained seizure medication because of what he reported to his doctor. Ms. Reid acknowledged that it was unlikely that her daughter would need the drug.
Pamela Reed was arrested on January 8th after lying about her daughter's cancer diagnosis. (Noble County Sheriff's Office)
Mr. Reed was charged with theft by deception, a fourth-degree felony. Noble County Court Judge Jennifer Arnold set her bail at $50,000.
Sheriff McKee and Misty Wells, director of the Department of Employment and Family Services, said in a joint statement that child abuse and neglect “is not always fully resolved.”
“We are extremely proud of the way our children's services staff and law enforcement are working together to act quickly for the safety of these children. Child abuse and neglect are This is not necessarily a run-of-the-mill scenario,” the statement said.
“As professionals and members of our community, if you see something that doesn't seem right, please don't hesitate to report it,” the statement said. “The grit and dedication of this team is inspiring.”
