Nevada Woman Admits to Faking Cancer for Over $20,000 in Donations

A woman in Nevada has confessed to fabricating a terminal illness, specifically pancreatic cancer, in a bid to elicit sympathy and financial support. Haleigh Knight admitted in a Las Vegas court on Monday, April 13, to a felony theft charge. She acknowledged creating a fake fundraising page under the guise of battling cancer to defraud numerous individuals out of more than $20,000.

Prosecutors presented evidence, including text messages, indicating that Knight impersonated various individuals and established multiple GoFundMe accounts to sustain her deceitful narrative. She reportedly used the donated money to cover her bills and provide for her children.

One of Knight's former classmates and victims, Cydney Fink, stated that Knight had confessed to her, claiming she felt like she was leading a double life and couldn't control her actions. Court documents obtained by KLAS revealed that Knight allegedly believed faking her illness would make friends and family feel guilty, thus compelling them to show her more affection and attention.

Suzanne Duroy, a breast cancer survivor who had also donated to Knight's campaign, expressed her shock upon learning the truth. Duroy, who first met Knight in 2022 at a surgery center, recounted how Knight's sister informed her about the alleged cancer diagnosis. Feeling compelled to help a fellow cancer survivor, Duroy sent Knight nearly $1,000 in gift cards and presents.

Duroy emphasized that her distress was not primarily about the money but the emotional betrayal. "It's really not the money for me. It's just the point, like I felt heartbroken for her," she told KSNV.

Another individual defrauded by Knight, Rachel Riedel, described the perpetrator as a "sociopath" who would exploit anyone she could. Riedel expressed anger that Knight would take advantage of her community and family.

As part of her plea agreement, Knight has agreed to pay $19,787.12 in restitution, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The terms of the deal suggest that if Knight successfully makes the restitution payments, completes her probation, and fulfills other requirements, her felony theft charge could be reduced to a misdemeanor with credit for time served.

Knight is currently scheduled for sentencing on June 24.