HOUSTON, TX – A Houston woman, Joanna Knight, has been charged with a series of scams in which she allegedly posed as a battered mother in need of financial assistance. Police say Knight used her children as props to gain sympathy and has conned at least a dozen individuals over the past two years.
The investigation revealed that Knight approached people, often with her children in tow, claiming to be escaping an abusive marriage. Deborah Fontaine, a retired teacher, encountered Knight two years ago outside a local grocery store. Fontaine, moved by the sight of Knight’s crying children, withdrew $300 from her bank to help.
Fontaine recounted how Knight presented a counterfeit Houston police brochure and provided a phone number to verify her story. However, Fontaine discovered the number was disconnected when she called. Despite this, she was persuaded to give cash, as Knight claimed credit card payments were not accepted.
Authorities have identified that Knight collected over $3,000 from at least 12 victims, repeatedly using the same narrative of distress. She was initially arrested in July, charged with aggregate theft, but continued her fraudulent activities after being released on bond.
Recently, police utilized surveillance technology to locate Knight’s vehicle, leading to her re-arrest last week. She now faces additional charges for failing to appear in court. Among Knight’s children, two are adults, while the other two, aged eight and 13, are now in the care of family members.
Knight’s actions have left a trail of deception and raised concerns about the lengths to which she went to maintain her scheme. Fontaine expressed her dismay, having initially believed she was helping a family in dire need.
Authorities continue to investigate the extent of Knight’s activities, urging any additional victims to come forward. The case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in tackling such personal and emotionally charged scams.