Tara Michelle Enoka, 4/20/1984, pleaded guilty to possession of stolen or unlawfully obtained property. She is now looking at significant penalties for reportedly misrepresenting having cancer and fraudulently soliciting more than $37,000 in contributions. Enoka had initially faced a charge of defrauding with the basic intent to defraud, a felony. His sentence was to be passed on Monday at the Joondalup Magistrates Court, but other complexities resulted in a delayed hearing.
Magistrate Raelene Johnston told Enoka that the situation was very serious, adding that custody was “starting to look like” a potential sentence. She agreed to plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge that carries a possible maximum of two years in jail. Or, she might incur fines up to $24,000. Enoka’s case has caught the attention of the public. While her claims are shocking, the cost to contributors is an incredible $26 per deposit, illustrating her point.
Allegations and Fundraising Efforts
A GoFundMe campaign was set up in 2021 for the purported purpose of helping Enoka pay for her treatments. The page about the channel was honest about its intent. It was originally designed to raise funds and as a log of her trip. The video for her fundraiser has now gone viral and has 2,000+ views. Response (herald.net) That’s a testament to how deep her support runs within the community.
Even with the overwhelming public support, the court found that Enoka had been ordered to return the illegally acquired property. Some context — this order had been issued just two months prior. Her defense attorney told the court that Enoka was confused about how to follow this directive. That vagueness around how the repayment would work has led to her sentencing being repeatedly delayed.
“GoFundMe has a zero tolerance policy for misuse of our platform and cooperates with police investigations of those charged with wrongdoing.” – GoFundMe spokesperson.
Court Proceedings and Future Appearances
Enoka’s absence from court hearings previously was explained with her involvement in a fight event overseas. As of today she’s not, because she’s now been told to return to court in August. In the interim, Enoka has made clear her own enthusiasm at finally getting to repay many of those who helped fund her successful campaign.
Donor Enoka’s public comments make it clear that she knows exactly what she did to harm these donors. She wants more than anything to set things straight.
“My whole life I’ve never been the type of person that’s ever asked anybody for help, and in the last couple of weeks, I’ve learned it’s okay to ask for help.” – Tara Enoka.
In June 2024, GoFundMe returned all donations to Enoka’s fundraiser. This move comes under their Giving Guarantee policy in the context of the ongoing legal proceedings against her. Authorities made this move after charges were officially filed against her. It made sure that the funders would not be out any money if any fraud was committed.
Donor Reimbursements
Following the legal proceedings against Enoka, GoFundMe announced that all donors to her fundraiser were refunded in June 2024 under its Giving Guarantee policy. This measure was taken after charges were laid against her, ensuring that contributors were not left out of pocket due to fraudulent activities.
“All donors to the fundraiser in question were refunded in June 2024, under GoFundMe’s Giving Guarantee, after charges were laid against the beneficiary.” – GoFundMe spokesperson.
