FRESNO, Calif. _ A woman who orchestrated a cancer scam that victimized dozens of Valley families is in custody after six years.
Kellie Walker, now 28, began faking back in 2014 that she had stage 2 ovarian cancer, according to the Mariposa County Sheriff's Office.
Friends and family of Walker set up a bank account at a local bank branch, and a fundraising dinner was held in order to help Walker and her family deal with the tragic diagnosis and associated medical expenses. It's believed that more than 200 guests attended the dinner.
In addition to the bank account and fundraising dinner, a GoFundMe account was created and shared on social media for donations.
The Mariposa County Sheriff's Office said Walker managed to raise more than $10,000 for her fake treatment, while scamming more than 60 donors.
Walker allegedly continued the cancer charade by asking close friends and family to drive her and drop her off at medical appointments and sending thank you emails to many of her donors letting them know she was currently going through chemotherapy treatments.
Last year, a citizen reported the scam to the sheriff's office after finding out Walker was pregnant.
They told investigators Walker had claimed she had reproductive organs removed as a result of her diagnosis.
Detectives arrested Walker on Thursday at the Fresno Yosemite International Airport.
Walker is now at the Mariposa County Adult Detention Facility on several charges, including grand theft and theft by false pretense.
Sheriffs are urging those who believe they were a victim of Walker and have not been previously interviewed by the Mariposa County Sheriff's Office to contact Detective Jennifer Lobaugh at 209-966-3615.
