Mesquite teacher's aide who lied about cancer now charged with theft

MESQUITE, Texas - The Mesquite middle school teacher’s aide who lied about having cancer has been charged with theft.

When 56-year-old Kevin Mabone told his co-workers at Wilkinson Middle School that he had cancer, they responded with an outpouring of love and support.

The students and staff raised about $1,000 in cash donations from students and more than $10,000 using GoFundMe. They gave it to him Friday, along with a donated used car to help him with his transportation needs.

Mesquite police say the second he accepted the keys to the car and the cash, he committed a crime.

"At that point he chose not to disclose the fact that it's not all true. He chose to take that money and he chose to take that car," said Lt. Brian Parrish, Mesquite PD.

This week Mabone told the principal his cancer was cured but claimed he still needed surgery. It turns out he was set to be in court in West Virginia to be sentenced on fraud charges. He pleaded guilty in October to stealing government funds in West Virginia and Florida.

Mabone is still in federal custody in West Virginia because his sentencing hearing was postponed until Feb. 13. He’s also now facing a charge for theft of $2,500 to $30,000 by deception in Dallas County, and his bond was set at $10,000.

At the request of Mabone's attorney, his bond have been revoked and he'll sit in jail until his sentencing on Feb. 13.

His ex-wife brought the donated car to police Wednesday night. School administrators are also working with GoFundMe to refund all of the donations and they’re planning a pizza party for all of the students who tried to help.