Imagine the depths of depravity required for an individual to exploit the goodwill and generosity of charitable organizations that exist to support those battling life-threatening illnesses.
Sadly, this is precisely the scenario that unfolded in Florida, where a man named Timothy Bartlett allegedly perpetrated a heinous scheme to defraud multiple nonprofits under the guise of a cancer patient in need.
This sordid tale of greed and deception has left a trail of betrayal and outrage in its wake, shedding light on the dark underbelly of fraudulent activities that can sometimes infiltrate the very institutions meant to provide a lifeline to the vulnerable.
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As the investigation into Bartlett’s actions continues to unfold, the broader implications of his alleged crimes serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need to safeguard the integrity of the charitable sector.
According to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation into Timothy Bartlett’s nefarious activities began with a troubling tip received by Edwinna Morrin, the owner of a nonprofit organization called The Lyn Fund. Morrin had been contacted by a woman who identified herself as “Sally Holmes,” claiming to be a breast cancer patient in need of financial assistance.
Upon further examination, Morrin discovered that the information provided by “Sally Holmes” was, in fact, false. The address listed on the application was traced back to a vacant commercial property, and the phone number provided was found to be disconnected. Delving deeper, Morrin realized that Bartlett, the supposed landlord mentioned in the application, was not actually the owner of any rental properties.
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As the investigation progressed, it became clear that Bartlett’s deception was not limited to a single incident. Detectives uncovered that he had orchestrated a similar scheme to defraud four other nonprofit organizations across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
In each case, Bartlett had assumed the identity of a different cancer patient, providing false information and documentation to secure financial assistance from these charitable organizations. The total amount he managed to obtain through his fraudulent activities was estimated to be around $5,000.
On May 23, 2024, detectives from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office arrived at Bartlett’s doorstep in Deltona, Florida, to confront him about the alleged fraudulent banking transactions.
During the interview, Bartlett acknowledged receiving checks intended for a fictitious person named “Joshlynn Jackson,” but he claimed to have no direct knowledge of this individual.
“I have seen a lot of morally reprehensible scams in my career, but this has to be one of the worst,” said Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood.
Bartlett’s attempts to explain his involvement in the scheme were unconvincing, as he provided vague responses about running a home-based business where he “cashed checks for people.” Ultimately, the investigation led to Bartlett’s arrest on charges of organized scheme to defraud under $20,000 and grand theft.
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The revelation of Bartlett’s fraudulent activities has sent shockwaves through the nonprofit community, as these organizations are often the lifeline for individuals facing the immense challenges of cancer treatment and recovery.
The Lyn Fund, the New Hampshire Breast Cancer Coalition, the Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition, the Wisconsin Ovarian Cancer Alliance, and Sophia’s Fund in Massachusetts – all fell victim to Bartlett’s deceitful tactics.
These nonprofits, which are dedicated to providing critical financial support and resources to cancer patients, have been left grappling with the aftermath of Bartlett’s betrayal. The funds intended to ease the burdens of those fighting for their lives were instead siphoned away by a callous individual driven by his own selfish motives.
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