Florida man accused of posing as breast cancer patient to defraud nonprofit organizations

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. - A Florida man is now in jail after he allegedly posed as a breast cancer patient and defrauded multiple nonprofit organizations. 

Timothy Bartlett, 68, is being held in the Volusia County Jail on a $20,500 bond, arrest records show. 

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Upon investigation, detectives discovered that Bartlett had allegedly been posing as "Sally Holmes," a woman undergoing treatment for breast cancer and was out of work. Under this false identity, deputies said Bartlett managed to deceive a Tampa organization and four other nonprofits across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. He reportedly received $5,000 in assistance. 

Timothy Bartlett was arrested and charged with organized scheme to defraud, grand theft and failure to appear for a misdemeanor offense on May 29, 2024. (Photo: Volusia County Branch Jail)

"This is our scumbag of the week. I mean, you can't get much lower than this," said Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood. "I mean, how low can you go? You know, money that is meant for folks who are trying to beat cancer, who can't pay their bills."

These organizations provide critical financial support to patients battling breast, ovarian, and pediatric cancers. 

 "We've just scratched the surface of how this may run, but it's pretty disgusting. I mean, like I said, he's going to be a real scumbag to go out and do something like this," the sheriff added. "He’s in a good place right now. He should rot in that jail cell."

Timothy Bartlett was arrested and charged with organized scheme to defraud, grand theft and failure to appear for a misdemeanor offense on May 29, 2024. (Photo: Volusia County Branch Jail)

Authorities are urging any other organizations or individuals who may have been defrauded by Bartlett to come forward as the investigation continues.