Vanessa O’Rourke Accused of Faking Terminal Brain Cancer to Collect Donations
Federal Fraud Case Involving False Cancer Claims
Vanessa O’Rourke is wanted by the FBI for allegedly carrying out a fraud scheme in which she falsely claimed to have terminal brain cancer and solicited financial support from family, friends, and other donors. According to information published by the FBI, O’Rourke told people close to her that she had been diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, and needed money for medical treatment and financial support while she was supposedly ill.
Federal authorities allege that O’Rourke did not have the illness and instead used the false diagnosis to convince people to provide money and other assistance.
Experimental Cancer Treatment in Australia Claimed
Between October 2015 and July 2016, O’Rourke allegedly told family members and friends that she needed to travel to Australia to participate in experimental treatment for her purported cancer. People who believed her claims provided financial assistance and other forms of support.
The alleged need for specialized treatment overseas became a central part of the scheme. According to the FBI, however, O’Rourke’s activities after arriving in Australia did not match what she had represented to the people supporting her.
First Trip to Australia
In or around April 2016, O’Rourke traveled to Australia. Federal authorities allege that rather than receiving experimental cancer treatment, she participated in a variety of leisure activities during the trip.
The FBI states that O’Rourke received no medical treatment while in Australia. Investigators allege that the terminal illness she had described to relatives and friends did not exist.
Friends and Family Organize Fundraisers
After returning to the United States, O’Rourke allegedly enlisted friends and relatives to organize two fundraising efforts on her behalf. Supporters believed they were helping raise money for someone facing a serious and potentially terminal medical condition.
One fundraising effort involved the creation of a webpage where people could contribute money toward O’Rourke’s purported treatment. Another involved a benefit event held at a local restaurant in Pennsylvania. Numerous people reportedly provided donations through the fundraising efforts.
Donations Allegedly Used for Another Australia Trip
According to the FBI, O’Rourke used money obtained through the fundraising efforts to travel to Australia again in or around 2016. Authorities allege that she once again engaged in leisure activities rather than receiving medical treatment.
Investigators contend that O’Rourke continued benefiting financially from the false cancer story even though she was not undergoing the treatment donors believed they were helping fund. The alleged use of communications and fundraising activity ultimately became the basis for a federal wire fraud prosecution.
15 Federal Wire Fraud Charges
On May 3, 2018, O’Rourke was indicted in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The federal indictment charged her with 15 counts of wire fraud.
A federal arrest warrant was issued for O’Rourke following the indictment. She remains wanted in connection with the outstanding federal case. The charges against her remain allegations unless and until proven in court.
FBI Description of Vanessa O’Rourke
According to the FBI’s wanted information, O’Rourke is a United States citizen born on March 11, 1971, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is described as a white female with brown hair and brown eyes.
The FBI lists O’Rourke as approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing approximately 130 pounds. These physical characteristics are provided to help members of the public identify her, although her appearance may have changed considerably since the federal warrant was issued.
Longstanding Federal Fugitive Case
The federal arrest warrant dates to 2018, meaning several years have passed since O’Rourke was indicted. Investigators may be interested in information concerning where she has lived, worked, or traveled since the warrant was issued.
Former friends, relatives, coworkers, acquaintances, or others who encountered O’Rourke after 2018 could potentially possess information relevant to the investigation. Information concerning possible residences, employment, associates, vehicles, travel, or other identifying details should be provided directly to authorities.
Information Sought by the FBI
Anyone with information concerning Vanessa O’Rourke or her current whereabouts is encouraged to contact the FBI. Information can also be provided through the Bureau’s official online tip system or through a local FBI field office. Individuals outside the United States may contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Members of the public should not attempt to independently locate or apprehend O’Rourke. The outstanding wire fraud charges should be treated as allegations unless established through the judicial process.
