A mother of four who deceived supporters worldwide into believing she was battling cancer has been sentenced to prison after admitting to stealing more than $37,000 in donations.
Kickboxer Tara Michelle Enoka received a 13-month jail sentence with 11 months suspended, meaning she will serve two months behind bars. The Joondalup Magistrates Court heard how she orchestrated an elaborate deception that exploited the goodwill of strangers across the globe.
In 2021, Enoka launched a GoFundMe campaign claiming she had both breast and cervical cancer. Her emotional appeal, which included a video posted to the ‘Stand With Tara‘ channel, painted a desperate picture of a mother trying to secure life-saving treatment.
“We are raising the money to help pay for the treatments that I need to potentially save my life,” Enoka said in the video, which garnered more than 2,000 views. Her plea tugged at heartstrings as she emphasized her desire to be present for her children’s futures.
The campaign’s success was staggering, with donations pouring in from sympathetic supporters who believed they were helping save a life. However, investigations later revealed the truth: Enoka had no cancer diagnosis whatsoever.
The facade became even more questionable when Enoka was spotted competing in a kickboxing tournament in Bangkok just months before her arrest, appearing completely healthy and fit.
Magistrate Raelene Johnston delivered an assessment of Enoka’s actions during sentencing, describing them as “despicable” and “deliberate.” The magistrate emphasized how such deception undermines genuine fundraising efforts for Australians who are truly battling life-threatening illnesses.
The legal proceedings were prolonged due to repeated delays, during which Enoka at one point told the court she was unsure how to repay the stolen funds. She ultimately pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of possessing unlawfully obtained property, rather than the more serious fraud charge initially considered.
The emotional weight of the sentence was evident as Enoka broke down in tears when her fate was announced. She was immediately taken into custody, meaning she would miss her youngest daughter’s fifth birthday celebration the following day.
Throughout the ordeal, the court heard how Enoka had carefully crafted her public image as both a dedicated athlete and a mother in desperate need of medical intervention. Meanwhile, she continued pursuing her sporting career, maintaining the physical fitness that contradicted her claimed illness.
In a positive development for the victims of this deception, GoFundMe confirmed that all donors received full refunds in June 2024 through the platform’s Giving Guarantee program. This safety net ensured that the generous individuals who contributed to what they believed was a worthy cause were not left financially harmed by Enoka’s lies.
Outside the courthouse, Enoka’s legal representative declined to provide any statement.