Iowa Woman Fined and Ordered to Repay Donations After Faking Cancer

20-year-old Madison Russo avoids jail time with probation and suspended sentence; ordered to pay back the $39,000 she fraudulently raised by falsely claiming on social media to have cancer.

Madison Russo, 20, falsely claimed to have various forms of cancer on social media and received more than $39,000 in donations from 400 people and cancer charities.
The hoax was discovered after medical professionals noticed inconsistencies in Russo's online claims and police subpoenaed her medical records, revealing she never had a cancer diagnosis.
Russo was sentenced to a 10-year suspended sentence with three years probation, and ordered to pay restitution of $39,000 and a fine of $1,370. If she stays out of trouble during her probation, she will avoid prison.
In court, Russo explained that she fabricated the cancer battle to draw attention from her troubled family and unite them, denying any intent for monetary gain or attention.
Russo's sentence also includes 100 hours of community services and the funds for the restitution were already paid and held by the court. GoFundMe has sent refunds to the donors.