Athens Woman Arrested On Charity Fraud

An Athens woman was arrested after authorities said she pocketed nearly $1 million in donations for a charity that didn’t exist.

Authorities said an investigation found that between 2021 and 2024, Tik-Tok personality Amy Downs solicited donations for a charity to aid domestic violence victims and homeless people.

Amy Downs of Athens was arrested following reports of charity fraud in Limestone County.

Amy Downs of Athens was arrested following reports of charity fraud in Limestone County. She’s in the Limestone County Jail with a bond of $1,125,000.

Authorities said the investigation found that no legitimate charity existed under Downs’ name. It was also found that no charity had been registered with the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, and Downs had not reported any employment since 2020.

Downs was arrested for seven counts of charitable fraud in the first degree and three counts of tax evasion.

The sheriff’s office said anyone with information about Downs activity is urged to come forward. The investigation is ongoing.