A Florida couple was arrested in late February following a months-long investigation into allegations they falsely claimed their 15-year-old son had cancer to solicit financial donations from the community, according to the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office.
Edward Downing and Stephanie Skeris were taken into custody on February 27th, accused of fraudulently collecting funds through community fundraisers and online campaigns intended to cover the teen’s purported medical treatment. Authorities determined the boy had never received a cancer diagnosis and have since placed him in protective care.
The investigation began after the couple brought their son to a doctor in December 2024, citing concerns about weight loss and other unspecified health issues, according to law enforcement officials. Despite the lack of a cancer diagnosis, Downing and Skeris allegedly told numerous individuals, businesses and media outlets that their son was battling the disease, impacting multiple internal organs.
In a March 2025 interview with WCJB, Stephanie Downing stated, “It helps tremendously to pay for his doctor visits, so it’s not so hard on us and everything else.” The station as well interviewed the then-15-year-old, who described noticing a small bump on his chest and seeking medical attention with his mother.
Investigators found that the teen’s legitimate medical expenses were covered by Medicaid. Though, the couple allegedly used the donated funds for personal purchases, including meals at restaurants, gas, and shopping, according to the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office. A GoFundMe campaign was reportedly among the methods used to solicit donations.
The Dixie County Sheriff’s Office press release indicated that multiple fundraisers were held with the support of local businesses, where donations were collected under the pretense of covering cancer treatment and medical expenses.
Edward Downing told WCJB last year, “[W]e found out that he has cancer, and I don’t really understand how to take this. As a father, all I can do is love him day by day, just hoping he gets better.”
Downing and Skeris have been charged with fraud and child neglect, and the investigation remains ongoing.
