A 28-year old woman has reportedly been charged in Houston, Texas, with impersonating the father of a Camp Mystic victim to raise money through a GoFundMe page.
According to a charging document in Harris County, Maitlin White is being charged with online impersonation. She used Matthew Childress’ name to start a campaign for support after the death of his daughter Chloe Childress during the catastrophic Guadalupe River flooding on July 4, 2025, that took the lives of 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic.
RELATED: See more stories on the 2025 Texas flood.
The complaint alleges that White, who apparently lives in Florida, used Chloe’s photo as part of her fundraising campaign.
During the investigation, another alleged fraudulent campaign was found on SpotFund using Matthew and Chloe Childress’ names.
The investigation into documents obtained from GoFundMe revealed White’s name, phone number, email address and bank account number. The campaigns were created on July 8, 2025, just days after the catastrophe.
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The investigator also contacted Matthew Childress, who confirmed he did not give anyone permission to create a GoFundMe or SpotFund campaign on his behalf nor to use his or his daughter’s personal information or photo.
‘Quick way to make some money’
According to the court documents, White admitted in a phone conversation with the investigator that she had created the campaigns. Her reasons, according to the complaint, were that she is a single mother of two children who was looking for a “quick way to make some money.”
Under Texas Penal Code §33.07, online impersonation with the intent to defraud is a third degree felony with a punishment of between two and 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Kim Roberts and originally published by MinistryWatch. Stories used with permission.
