A months-long investigation revealed that the parents informed residents and local businesses that their son had serious cancer affecting multiple parts of his body, including his chest and internal organs.
However, medical records showed that doctors found no tumors or signs of cancer after conducting multiple tests on the teenager.
According to the Dixie County Sheriff's Office, the story of the terminal illness prompted many residents and local businesses to organize fundraising campaigns to support the boy's treatment costs.
Numerous online donation programs, including a GoFundMe campaign, were set up to solicit funds for surgeries and treatments the family claimed the boy needed.
Papa Luigi’s restaurant in Old Town also participated in fundraising activities in March 2025, pledging to donate $3 from every order to support the family.
However, the investigation revealed that donations transferred into a bank account set up for the teen's medical expenses were instead used for personal spending, including dining at restaurants, purchasing fuel, and cash withdrawals.
The two suspects were arrested on February 27, 2026, on charges including organized fraud, communications fraud, and child neglect.
Following their arrest, Downing and Skeris were released on $75,000 bond each.
The case remains under investigation by the authorities.
