A 34-year-old woman from Australia is facing charges of torture after allegedly making a 1-year-old girl ill for more than two months to profit from donations on the fundraising platform GoFundMe. The woman, located in southern Queensland, purportedly a social media influencer with a substantial following of over a million individuals, is accused by state police of administering numerous unauthorized prescription and pharmacy medications to the infant. The alleged incidents of poisoning are reported to have taken place between August 6 and October 15, 2024, before medical professionals alerted the authorities.
The woman was apprehended by police on a Thursday morning in Logan, Queensland, where she was charged with offenses including torture, administering poison, child exploitation, and fraud. While the Queensland Police did not disclose the identity of the woman, reports from outlets such as the BBC and People have indicated that she is believed to be the child’s mother. The department stated that the infant was “known to her.”
Detective Inspector Paul Dalton issued a statement asserting their commitment to safeguarding the child and ensuring that those responsible for any harm are held accountable. He emphasized the reprehensible nature of causing harm to a defenseless infant who relies on others for care and protection.
It has been revealed that through the GoFundMe platform, the woman managed to raise $60,000 Australian dollars (equivalent to $37,000 USD), exploiting the infant’s illness for financial gain. The police disclosed that the woman’s content on social media was allegedly used to solicit monetary donations and attract online followers by exploiting the child.
Authorities have indicated that GoFundMe is collaborating to reimburse individuals who contributed to the fund. Medical personnel at a hospital in Brisbane reported concerns about the baby girl’s well-being on October 15, which prompted an investigation into the woman’s actions. Subsequent tests on January 7 confirmed the presence of unauthorized medication in the infant’s system.
The police have alleged that the woman went to great lengths to acquire the drugs, including using old medication intended for another household member. Additionally, it is asserted that she concealed her actions of drugging the child until the matter was brought to the attention of law enforcement.
This distressing case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by individuals who exploit vulnerable individuals for personal gain, especially when it involves innocent children. The authorities are diligently pursuing justice and taking steps to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected child, as well as seeking accountability for the alleged perpetrator.
The incident highlights the importance of vigilance and accountability in online fundraising platforms to prevent such exploitation and misuse. Efforts are being made to rectify the situation and address the repercussions of this disturbing episode.
This article was originally published on USA TODAY: Influencer charged with poisoning 1-year-old for GoFundMe money.