A Maryland woman has been arrested following allegations that she misused more than $26,000 raised through a GoFundMe campaign intended to cover funeral expenses for a relative.
According to the Arlington County Police Department, Yesenia Amaya was located and apprehended with the assistance of the Landover Hills Police Department. She was served with outstanding warrants from Arlington County and extradited to Virginia, where she is being held without bond at the Arlington County Detention Facility.
Police say that in September 2023, a family member of the victim passed away unexpectedly in Arlington, and Amaya, described as a distant relative, offered to create a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral costs. The campaign received significant community support, raising more than $26,000. However, it was later discovered that Amaya had withdrawn the funds and failed to use them for their intended purpose.
