Woman collected donations for sick children but spent money on personal items

LEWIS COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A woman is behind bars after raising funds for sick children but spending the money on personal items.

On August 20, 2024, Charles Carse contacted local authorities regarding a suspected fraudulent fundraising scheme. Carse reported that his wife, Haley, became friends with Amber “Beth” Eberly on Facebook after Eberly claimed to be raising funds for a child suffering from a serious illness. Eberly reportedly convinced the Carse family to include their own daughter in the fundraiser because both children were struggling with significant health issues.

According to Carse, Eberly organized a fundraiser, including a barbecue in June 2024, to raise money for the children’s medical costs. The event was promoted as a charity effort with the goal of raising $10,000. However, after the event, Eberly told the Carse family that only $1,000 had been raised. Suspicion arose when it emerged that about $5,000 had actually been raised and businesses had donated items for a raffle, including a $2,500 train buggy.

Further law enforcement investigation revealed that Eberly had opened an account at United Bank to manage the fundraiser’s proceeds. Bank records indicate at least $2,170 was raised, but the exact amount remains unknown. Officials confirmed that Eberly used the money for personal use. The family said they received no funds from the event and Eberly has since stopped communicating with them.

Elberly is in jail on a $50,000 bond.