Three people arrested over suspected fundraising fraud in Stoke-on-Trent
Alleged fraud involves fundraising for family of late footballer Jaycee Roberts
Three people from Stoke-on-Trent have been arrested on suspicion of fraud offences related to a fundraising effort following the death of a local footballer.
The suspected fraud concerns a fundraiser held on 25th May 2025, during which organisers pledged to donate raised funds to the family of Jaycee Roberts, a 25-year-old footballer from Stoke-on-Trent who tragically passed away from skin cancer on 31st March this year.
Jaycee, a well-known player for Bradwell FC in Staffordshire, was offered a scholarship to play in California before suffering a serious injury that prevented him from going. He was diagnosed with an aggressive form of skin cancer in October 2022 and bravely fought the illness until his passing. He is survived by a partner and a three-year-old son and was notably close to his parents and sister.
After Jaycee’s death, his family set up an official fundraising page in his memory. Separately, a different alleged fundraiser was organized, which included the event on 25th May. That event reportedly collected between £2,000 and £4,200, which was promised to Jaycee's family but was not received, leading them to report the suspected fraud in September.
Last week, a 36-year-old woman, a 27-year-old man, and another 36-year-old man, all from Stoke-on-Trent, were arrested in connection with the alleged fundraising fraud. They were arrested over suspected offences including fraud by false representation and conspiracy to defraud. All three have been released on conditional police bail as inquiries continue.
Detective Constable David Stubbs, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are working at pace to carry out inquiries in relation to this matter and are keen to speak to anyone who may have relevant information relating to the alleged fundraising activities.
“Since our investigation began, some funds have now been received by the family, but we are keen to try and identify how much money was raised and how much of the funds are still missing.
“I would like to thank Jaycee’s family for coming forward in reporting this to us and reassure them that we are doing all we can to investigate this.”
Jaycee’s family has requested privacy while they cope with the loss and deal with the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information that could assist with the inquiry is urged to contact the police on 101, quoting incident number 73 of 17th September, or email DC Stubbs at [email protected] . To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.