Cancer Charity Fraud: Former Director Stole Thousands, Lied to IRS, Now Headed to Prison

GASTONIA, N.C. – Stephanie L. Roberts, the former executive director of Cancer Services of Gaston County, was supposed to help cancer patients—but instead, she helped herself. Over six years, she embezzled more than $136,000 from the nonprofit, stole employee tax withholdings, and lied to the IRS, landing her an 18-month prison sentence.

Where Did the Money Go?

The non-profit, which provides transportation, wigs, mastectomy bras, and prostheses to cancer patients, was being drained from the inside as Roberts funneled thousands into her own pockets. She disguised stolen funds as extra paychecks, making it look like legitimate compensation while cancer patients and their families unknowingly suffered.

Cheating the IRS, Too

Roberts’ greed knew no bounds. Not only did she steal from the nonprofit, but she also withheld over $202,000 in federal taxes from employee paychecks—then never paid the IRS. To cover her tracks, she falsely claimed more than $62,000 in tax payments on her own tax return.

Prosecutors Condemn Her Actions

Acting U.S. Attorney Lawrence J. Cameron made his stance clear:

“Roberts treated a nonprofit organization meant to support cancer patients as her personal piggy bank… She will now be held accountable for her reprehensible actions.”

Investigators from the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Gastonia Police Department all played a role in uncovering her long-running fraud.

The Verdict: Prison & Restitution

On March 22, 2024, Roberts pleaded guilty to theft in connection with health care, failure to pay trust fund taxes, and filing a false tax return. A judge sentenced her to 18 months in federal prison and two years of supervised release. She has also been ordered to repay $157,722.69 to the charity and $62,612 to the IRS.

Roberts will report to federal prison soon—trading her fraudulent luxury for a cellblock and a criminal record.

Rebuilding Trust After the Scandal

While Roberts’ deception rocked the nonprofit, its board is working to restore public confidence. Officials say new safeguards are in place to ensure donations go where they’re intended—to help cancer patients in need.

Meanwhile, Roberts’ attorney, Rick Beam, declined to comment—perhaps because there’s no defense for this level of fraud.