MILWAUKEE, WI — Authorities have arrested the parents of 7-year-old Jamal White Jr. after uncovering what they allege was a staged kidnapping scheme aimed at fraudulently collecting donations through a GoFundMe campaign.

The child’s mother, identified as 32-year-old Shavon Williams (also known online as Paris Marie), and a man identified as Corey Williams, who shares her last name, have both been taken into custody.

According to law enforcement, the pair are accused of orchestrating the child’s disappearance to solicit public sympathy and financial support.

Investigators allege that the plan involved falsely reporting Jamal missing, launching a fundraising campaign for his “safe return,” and then later staging his recovery.

However, the plan unraveled when police located Jamal before the scheme could be fully carried out.

Jamal was found safe by officers before any significant funds were withdrawn.

He is now reportedly in the custody of Child Protective Services (CPS) as the case continues to develop.

Shavon Williams was arrested just days after filing the missing persons report.

Charges are reportedly pending for both parents, and prosecutors are working in coordination with child welfare authorities and cybercrime units to assess the full scope of the incident, including any financial crimes.

While some online sources claim that Corey Williams may have been the mastermind behind the alleged scheme, these allegations have not been formally confirmed by police.

The case has sparked outrage online, with many expressing disbelief at the lengths to which individuals may go in attempts to exploit public generosity.

Authorities emphasize that staging a kidnapping is not only a serious criminal offense but also undermines resources and trust in the system meant to protect vulnerable children.

Further details will be released as the investigation progresses.