Haleigh Knight from Henderson, Nevada, admitted to faking a pancreatic cancer diagnosis to defraud people out of more than $20,000. She pleaded guilty to a felony theft charge for scams running from June 2023 to April 2024. Knight faces sentencing on June 24.
Haleigh Knight confessed that she fabricated her illness so that people, including her family and victims, 'would feel guilty and more inclined to love and be around her.' Court records show she collected money through GoFundMe campaigns and direct cash payments from sympathizers to cover her bills and buy items for her children. One victim, Rachel Riedel, called Knight 'a sociopath' who 'will scam you if she can touch you,' according to an interview with KSNV. Riedel had followed Knight's updates on the fundraising page, feeling manipulated by the false treatment details shared there. Suzanne Duroy, a breast cancer survivor who underwent a bilateral mastectomy, radiation, chemotherapy, and a hysterectomy, became Knight's self-described 'chemo angel.' Duroy provided nearly $1,000 in money and gifts after Knight sought advice on cancer experiences during long phone calls. 'I felt heartbroken for her,' Duroy told KSNV, later expressing outrage over the betrayal of trust among friends who would have helped Knight without the deception. Another victim, Cydney Fink, received text messages from Knight admitting to the scheme. In those messages, Knight described acting 'very very sneakily,' posing as different people, and creating multiple GoFundMe accounts. Prosecutors noted Knight's confession to police and in plea negotiations. Under her plea deal, Knight must pay $19,787.12 in restitution. If she completes probation and other requirements, she can withdraw the felony plea for a misdemeanor theft guilty plea with credit for time served.