A woman has been arrested after allegedly defrauding a family out of $26,000 following the death of an Arlington resident.
Yesenia Amaya, 34, reportedly created a GoFundMe to support the immediate family of a juvenile who died in September 2023.
Intended to cover funeral expenses, the campaign generated “a significant community response.” But according to a wanted bulletin from the Arlington County Police Department, the money didn’t go to the family.
“In November of 2023, prior to police notification, it was learned that Amaya, a distant relative of the deceased, withdrew funds from the GoFundMe account and that the funds were not used for their intended purpose,” ACPD said.
Police secured warrants for Amaya’s arrest in February 2024. In April, ACPD posted on social media seeking the public’s help in finding the suspect, who was last seen in Cheverly, Md.
Authorities finally located Amaya following a community tip and coordination with the police department of Landover Hills, a town near Cheverly in Prince George’s County.
She was booked in the Arlington County Jail last Thursday.
Amaya faces charges of computer fraud, embezzlement and obtaining money under false pretenses. She was scheduled for a hearing this morning (Monday) and her next scheduled court date is Aug. 7, according to online records.
UPDATE: Following a community tip & coordination with Landover Hills PD, Ms. Amaya was apprehended & served with the outstanding Arlington County warrants. She was extradited to the Commonwealth of Virginia & is being held without bond at the Arlington County Detention Facility. pic.twitter.com/u0OS7PimB2
— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) June 20, 2025
GoFundMe provided the following statement.
“GoFundMe has zero tolerance for the misuse of our platform and those who seek to take advantage of the generosity of others. Donors are protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee and we worked directly with the intended beneficiary … to deliver the total amount raised to her. In the rare case of misuse, we take swift action. In this instance, the organizer account has been banned from using the platform for any future fundraisers and we are cooperating with law enforcement’s investigations into those accused of wrongdoing.”
