Full Breakdown
Florida Woman Charged with Online Impersonation in Camp Mystic Flooding Scam
1/13/2026, 12:43:24 AM
Allegations of Fraudulent Fundraising
Maitlin Paige White, a 28-year-old resident of Crestview, Florida, has been charged with online impersonation after allegedly posing as Matthew Childress, the father of a teenager who died in the Camp Mystic flooding in Texas. The tragedy occurred in July 2025, resulting in the deaths of 27 campers and counselors, including 18-year-old Chloe Childress, who was working as a counselor at the camp. White reportedly created a GoFundMe page on July 8, just four days after Chloe's death, soliciting donations under Childress's name without his consent.
Investigation and Discovery
Matthew Childress discovered the fraudulent fundraising page on July 10 and promptly alerted authorities. Investigators found that White had also set up a second fundraising account on Spotfund using Childress's name. Both accounts were created on the same day, and records obtained by detectives linked them to White, including her personal information such as name, phone number, and bank account details. During questioning, White admitted to creating the accounts, stating she was a "single mother of two young children" looking for a quick way to make money.
Official Responses and Actions Taken
Harris County Precinct One Constable Alan Rosen warned the public about the scam through a Facebook post, advising potential donors to be cautious of impersonators. He mentioned that the fraudulent account had raised approximately $1,500 before it was shut down. GoFundMe also responded, stating that they have "zero tolerance for the misuse of our platform" and confirmed that they acted quickly to remove the fundraiser, refund donors, and ban White from future fundraising activities. The platform emphasized that at no point did White have access to the total amount raised, which was only $5.
Legal Proceedings
On January 2, 2026, the Harris County District Attorney's Office formally charged White with a felony count of online impersonation. As of the latest reports, she is not in custody, and her bond has not been set.
Criticism and Public Concern
The case has raised concerns about the vulnerability of online fundraising platforms to scams, particularly in the wake of tragedies. Critics argue that more stringent measures are needed to protect potential donors from fraudulent activities. The incident highlights the importance of verifying the legitimacy of fundraising campaigns, especially those linked to sensitive situations involving loss and grief.
What's Next
The legal proceedings against White will continue as the case unfolds, with potential implications for online fundraising regulations and the enforcement of laws against impersonation and fraud.
