Couple accused of faking baby's birth and death to scam gifts
A couple is accused of faking the birth and death of a baby to obtain more than $880 in donations and gifts from friends and family.
Geoffrey and Kaycee Lang, of the US state of Pennsylvania, have been charged with theft by deception and receiving stolen property.
Authorities say the couple posted a photo on Facebook of a baby they had named Easton.
They said the child was born July 3 but died hours later. Authorities say the photo matched the appearance of a “newborn look-a-like baby doll” that was found in their Somerset County home.
Police said the couple established a GoFundMe page and also had a baby shower in May.
The page has since been taken down.
Police also told news station WTAE there is no record of Kaycee Lang or Easton Lang at the hospital, coroner's office or Conemaugh Memorial OB-GYN.
Authorities said there was no record of the baby’s birth or death.
An obituary was published in the Tribune-Democrat on July 22 after Easton’s reported death claiming he lived for five hours.
“Easton experienced holding hands and hugs and kisses with his mummy and daddy and being told uncountable number of ‘I love yous’,” it reads.
The obituary invites people to plant a tree in memory of Easton.
Cynthia Dilascio contacted police about the couple but told WTAE she doesn’t know if the couple’s alleged actions were about money.
However, she said if the allegations are true “it’s just sick”.
The couple will face court in October.
With AP
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