WINK News Digital Team
•8/7/2026
BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. (WINK) — A Bonita Springs woman is facing felony charges after investigators said she faked cancer to steal more than $40,000 from 238 residents in a Naples community.
The Collier County Sheriff's Office arrested 51-year-old Maribeth Jones on charges of grand theft between $20,000 and $100,000. Detectives said Jones worked as an activities director in the community and told residents from 2022 to 2024 that she had cancer and was undergoing treatment.
"This is an appalling case because it exploited the kindness and generosity of people who truly wanted to help someone they believed was fighting for her life," Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said.
Investigators said Jones went to great lengths to make her story believable. She pretended her condition was worsening and even had community members cut her hair under the guise of preparing for chemotherapy.
Residents created a GoFundMe page for Jones that linked to her personal bank account. They also gave her cash and personal checks.
The investigation revealed Jones had been the beneficiary of two previous GoFundMe campaigns in which she claimed to have cancer. Detectives said Jones lied about having cancer and used the money to pay personal debts.
Jones turned herself in at the Naples Jail Center after detectives obtained a warrant for her arrest on the second-degree felony charge.
"This type of [fraud] not only hurts victims financially, it undermines trust in legitimate fundraisers for people who genuinely need help," Sheriff Rambosk said.
The sheriff's office is urging people to verify fundraising stories through trusted family members and friends before donating.
