McConnells woman charged in fundraising scheme for man’s injured son

York County Sheriff’s Deputies have charged a McConnells woman with Breach of Trust after allegedly fundraising more than $10,000 in a fund designed to help a Mississippi man.

Authorities say Bennie Clawson, 51, set up online auctions to raise money to pay for the victim’s medical bills, but failed to give the family all the money she raised.

In February, a Hernando, Miss., man contact the York County Sheriff’s Office saying that Clawson had set up online auctions and was collecting money through PayPal for his son involved in an accident.

In a statement Thursday from the Sheriff’s Office, the victim told deputies that people from across the nation had taken part in the online auctions with cash and other donations in support of the victim’s family.

After one of the auctions, deputies say the victims noticed he had not received any checks from Clawson. After further investigation, deputies seized several items indicating Clawson had taken cash, checks and other funds intended for the victim.

Clawson faces one count of Breach of Trust and three counts of Forgery. If convicted, she could face up to 25 years in prison.

Clawson was booked into the York County Detention Center Thursday morning. Her bond had not been set.