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When Iowa authorities raided the residence of Madison Russo in Bettendorf, they confiscated cash, medical equipment, a 2023 Kia Sportage and more.
Russo, 19, was charged Jan. 23 with theft by means of deception and released on bond. She basically pretended to have cancer to solicit just under $38,000 from 439 donors. Her bond was paid by Tom Boulund, the same person who organized the fake GoFundMe campaign.
“On February 10th, 2022, Maddie Russo found out she had pancreatic cancer and has been going to battle ever since to win this war,” the GoFundMe blurb began. “Maddie is currently undergoing vigorous chemotherapy and radiation treatments that make her very sick, but just like the Maddie we all know, she never gives up.”
As recently as Jan. 9, the GoFundMe page was updated. “Maddie's cancer has been getting progressively worse and has spread all over her body including throughout her blood and also on her spine... She has decided to start a clinical trial drug to see if this could be a miracle and put Maddie in remission.” (Authorities were first tipped off Jan. 11.)
According to legal documents filed Jan. 26, medical professionals noticed inconsistencies in the social media posts of Russo. Additionally, the 19-year-old used photos from other cancer survivors.
One of those people, Jessica Sanders, spoke to local TV station KWQC-TV about being stolen from in this fashion. Sanders said she was shocked that Russo purloined at least one photo from her Instagram account to prop up the fake tale of woe.
GoFundMe has pledged to refund all 439 donations. The charge levied at Russo, a Class C felony under Iowa law, carries a prison sentence of 10 years.
Some of the other items recovered from Russo's residence during the police raid included an iPhone, $346 in cash, a brown wig, two prescription bottles with someone else's name on them, gift cards and a Michael Kors purse. Russo is scheduled to appear in court March 2.
Richard Horgan has worked for decades as a print, radio and digital journalist, beginning with Associated Press Canada. Prior to joining Knewz.com as West Coast Editor in 2021, Horgan was a longtime columnist for Adweek and Mediabistro, covering media and entertainment. He has also served as editor-in-chief of FilmStew, film commentator for Fandango and columnist for TMZ during the site's earliest days.
