Alleged scammer found, arrested

Raleigh, N.C. — A Fayetteville woman who allegedly scammed a local support group for divorcees out of more than $6,000 has been arrested after a two-month search.

To get money from the group Margaret Irene Haithcock, 51, of 655 Monogan St., allegedly made up stories about having cancer and her son dying in Iraq. The group held several events to raise money for her and held a memorial service for her son.

According to the warrant issued for her arrest, Haithcock's actions "were intended to deceive the group into providing monetary donations for issues which were made up entirely."

After months of investigating Haithcock's claims, Raleigh police issued the warrant in June.

When Fayetteville police went to the home listed on the warrant in July, her ex-boyfriend said she was gone and had told him she was in a mental hospital.

Haithcock was arrested Sept. 18 and has a court date scheduled for Thursday.