Police: Utica Woman Created Fake GoFundMe Page For Toddler Maddox Lawrence
There's another twist in the story of a Utica woman who is accused of creating a phony GoFundMe page, claiming the money would benefit the family of a murdered Syracuse-area toddler.
Authorities believe the page was created by 23-year-old Brianna Cummings. It was promptly shut down by police because it wasn't authorized by the family and raised a mere $150. Police do not believe Cummings actually collected any money but she is charged with misdemeanor identity theft, Syracuse.com reports. The name and image of Syracuse television reporter, Lacey Leonardi, was used on the faux GoFundMe page to give the effort credibility, police say.
Reports also say Cummings has missed her first two court appearances, and an arrest warrant may soon be issued.
The fundraising page was said to be collecting money for the family of Maddox Lawrence, a 21-month-old whose father confessed to killing her. Ryan Lawrence, charged with first-degree murder, recently said in court that his confession was coerced. He's set to head to trial on October 31, 2016.