Deputies said they were made aware of Riley by the school system after they had received calls from involved churches inquiring about the child’s health. After checking into the actual health status of the child and finding the child to be in good health, deputies began to investigate.
Deputies said Riley would tell a church that her son was going blind and had been sent to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville TN. She would say that she needed money to cover travel and food expenses.
According to police, Riley’s child has never been to Vanderbilt.
Deputies said if Riley found a church that was sympathetic to her story she would make several trips back to the same church. According to deputies, Riley had gotten money from the same church at least three times.
Riley was arrested and lodged in the Graves County Jail on charges of theft by deception under $10,000. Deputies believe that Riley may have also scammed some churches in Calloway County.
Riley’s husband, Randy Riley, is also believed to be involved with the scam. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Graves County sheriff’s office.