Two parents in Florida have been arrested after they allegedly pretended their son had cancer and participated in a fraudulent medical fundraiser, then used the money to buy groceries and restaurants.
Edward Downing again Stephanie Skeris were charged with fraud, wire fraud and child neglect on February 27, according to a statement released by the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office in Florida. All the charges against them are third-degree crimes.
Both Downing and Skeris have pleaded not guilty and have been released on bond, according to court records viewed by Oxygen.
Police said the parents were accused of demanding money for their 15-year-old son’s cancer diagnosis, which they said “affects many areas of his body, including the chest and internal organs.”
An investigation into the matter was launched and authorities looked into the youth’s medical records and health care consultations. Authorities soon discovered that the boy had not been diagnosed with cancer, and that Medicaid was paying his “legitimate” medical bills.
As of December 2024, Downing and Skeris have been taking their son to the doctor for weight loss and “other health concerns.” A press release said tests and examinations “did not detect cancer or tumors.” Police said doctors instead offered nutritional recommendations and follow-up care for the youth.
Although the boy was not diagnosed with cancer, the couple allegedly spoke ill of his condition to “members of the community, businesses, and the media.” Events and fundraisers were held, and donations were collected for his medical expenses.
The couple even set up a GoFundMe campaign to help raise money for their son’s treatment and surgery. A GoFundMe spokesperson told Oxygen that the fundraisers “raised $25 from one donor” and “the donation was returned under the GoFundMe Donation Guarantee.”
The sheriff’s office said investigators found a bank account set up for the boy’s medical bills. However, financial records reveal that the funds were “used for personal purchases, including retail transactions, gas, restaurant meals and cash withdrawals.”
“During the investigation, medical professionals and child protection investigators identified concerns related to the child’s health and health care,” the press release said. “The child has been placed in intensive care, where medical providers continue to evaluate and treat.”
The Dixie County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond Us Weeklyrequest for comment on the case.
Last year, the couple spoke to news station WCJB about their son’s alleged diagnosis.
“I really don’t know how to take this,” Downing said in an interview in March 2025. “As a father, all I can do is love him every day, hoping he gets better.”
Meanwhile, Skeris told the center that the fundraiser has helped “a lot” in their efforts to pay off their son’s medical bills.
“The smallest things in life are important,” said Skeris. “When you get a shocking diagnosis, your world turns upside down, but you have to learn how to overcome it and take it day by day.”
