Australian Influencer Arrested for Allegedly Poisoning and Torturing Infant to Solicit Donations
A social media influencer from Australia has been accused of poisoning and torturing a 1-year-old girl to solicit thousands of dollars in donations from her followers, Queensland Police announced. The 34-year-old woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, was arrested and charged with several serious offenses. According to police, the influencer administered unauthorized prescription medication to the infant between August 6 and October 15 of last year. The relationship between the woman and the child has not been disclosed, but authorities claim the influencer filmed and posted videos of the child in significant distress to her online platforms, using the harrowing footage to collect approximately $60,000 AUD ($37,000 USD) via GoFundMe. “There is no excuse for harming a child, especially not a one-year-old infant who is reliant on others for care and survival,” said Detective Inspector Paul Dalton in a statement. The case came to light on October 15, when the child was hospitalized with severe physical and emotional distress. Medical staff alerted authorities, triggering an investigation. Tests conducted in January revealed that the child had been exposed to unauthorized medications, further substantiating the allegations. In addition to the physical harm caused, the influencer is accused of committing fraud by misusing the donations she raised through false pretenses. GoFundMe is reportedly working to refund the donors who contributed during the campaign. The woman now faces multiple charges, including five counts of administering poison with intent to harm, three counts of preparation to commit crimes with dangerous things, and single counts of torture, making child exploitation material, and fraud. She appeared in court with her attorney, Mathew Cuskelly, who requested protective custody for his client, citing concerns for her safety due to public attention on the case. “There is some publicity with regards to this matter, and I am concerned with regard to the safety of my client,” Cuskelly told the court. The disturbing allegations have shocked the community, highlighting the darker side of social media influence and the potential for exploitation. While authorities continue their investigation, the case serves as a grim reminder of the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals, particularly children. The child is reportedly receiving care, but details regarding her current condition remain private. #AustraliaNews #SocialMediaScandal #ChildAbuseAllegations #JusticeForChildren #OnlineFraud #QueenslandPolice #InfluencerArrested Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com