Key Aspects:
- Police say a Pittsburgh-area resident raised more than $40,000 on GoFundMe for her injured cousin but instead used over $37,000 for personal use.
- Investigators found a $6,200 charge tied to a Carnival Cruise Line voyage.
- The woman now faces charges of theft by deception and receiving stolen property.
When a cousin was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area resident Vanessa Lewis had good intentions of helping. In August 2024, she set up a GoFundMe campaign to support his recovery, drawing in more than $40,000 in donations.
But investigators allege that the money was never used for medical care. Instead, they say Lewis spent the funds on herself, including a cruise.
The investigation began when the injured man’s father saw photos of Lewis posted on social media while she was on a cruise. He soon discovered the account’s funds had dwindled and contacted the police…