Screen shot of Russo's GoFundMe page
(Scott County, IA) -- A judge is ordering an Iowa woman, accused of scamming hundreds of donors in fake cancer scheme, to pay back the thousands in donations she received. Twenty-year-old Madison Russo of Bettendorf claimed in February of 2022 that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and leukemia and had a tumor on her spine. Investigators say she posted videos on social media, asking for donations, and her story received national attention, leading to speaking engagements.
Police say an investigation was launched after anonymous sources came forward questioning Russo's claim.
Russo pleaded guilty to theft, and has been ordered to pay nearly $ 40 thousand dollars donated to her.
Russo is to be sentenced in October.