Cuyahoga County prosecutors say they are not seeking charges against the wife of a former Cleveland police officer who was being investigated after taking donations while claiming she was pregnant and suffering from cancer.
The investigation into Dawn Brown, wife of Kenneth Brown, began after a January 14 "Blood Drive" fundraiser held at the Cleveland Police Patrolman's Association hall. It was one of several drives held for the couple, dating back to 2017.
The flyer for the drive stated, “Officer Ken Brown and his wife Dawn are expecting their beautiful baby girl Kassidy next month.” Other drives, showers and fundraisers were held in 2017, including one in Vermilion.
But it turns Dawn Brown may not have been pregnant or physically sick.
A WKYC investigation revealed that Dawn has previously made false claims of pregnancy and cancer. She also has a history of marital problems, including at least six former husbands and a court restraining order against an ex-husband who claimed she abused and harassed him. Three of her divorces include allegations of financial grabs and discord.
Alerts were issued to area maternity wards by the Cleveland Police Department in fear that Dawn may attempt to steal a baby to claim as her own.
Ken Brown abruptly retired from the Cleveland Police Department in early February.