A Henderson, Nevada mother has admitted to orchestrating a multi-layered fraud scheme that exploited personal relationships and public goodwill, pleading guilty to felony theft after collecting more than $20,000 under false pretenses, according to local reports and court records.
Haleigh Knight, the accused, used platforms including GoFundMe to solicit donations by falsely claiming she had cancer, while simultaneously deceiving a former friend and her family with fabricated travel opportunities. Authorities say the scheme ran from June 2023 through January 2025, culminating in a police investigation after repeated cancellations and mounting suspicions.
Court documents reviewed by multiple outlets, including KSNV and the Las Vegas Review-Journal, indicate Knight was charged with theft exceeding $5,000 but less than $25,000. She entered a guilty plea in March and is scheduled for sentencing on June 24. Prosecutors say she could face between one and five years in prison, though the plea agreement allows for the possibility of reduced charges if conditions are met.
Central to the case is Knight’s former high school classmate, Cydney Fink, who told investigators she believed Knight was working as a content creator and travel adviser affiliated with Four Seasons Hotels. According to a Henderson Police Department affidavit, Knight convinced Fink she could secure a contract role assisting in curating luxury vacations.
Fink and her family ultimately transferred $20,192.16 to Knight for trips that never materialized. Each planned vacation was canceled at the last minute, with Knight allegedly offering a series of excuses. Authorities say she went further by creating a group chat with victims and impersonating a travel coordinator named “Beatrice” using a second phone number to maintain the illusion.
When confronted about the failed trips, Knight reportedly claimed she would act as a “middleman” with an attorney to resolve the situation, further delaying scrutiny.
In a statement, GoFundMe confirmed it had permanently banned Knight’s account. “GoFundMe has zero tolerance for bad actors who seek to take advantage of the generosity of others,” a company spokesperson said, adding that the platform cooperates with law enforcement in fraud investigations.
Knight has agreed to pay $19,787.12 in restitution as part of her plea deal. Her attorney declined to comment on the case.
The incident highlights growing concerns over online fundraising fraud and the challenges platforms face in safeguarding donor trust while maintaining accessibility for legitimate causes.
