Samantha Cookes faces new fraud charges in Ireland

Samantha Cookes, a 36-year-old woman currently in prison for social welfare fraud, is now the focus of a new investigation in Ireland. She has been linked to theft and fraud offenses related to her activities in County Kerry. Cookes lived in the area for three years, ending in 2022. She was arrested last year in Tralee as part of a social welfare probe. During her time there, she ran a website claiming to sell sensory toys for children with special needs but failed to deliver any items despite receiving payment. Additionally, Cookes illegally sublet a rented house in Kenmare on Airbnb, which led to furniture going missing. Authorities are investigating her actions in Co Kerry, and new charges may be forthcoming. In another deceit, Cookes posed as a terminally ill writer named Carrie Jade Williams and won awards for her fictional works. She received €36,250 in Arts Council grants based on her false claims. Cookes has a history of fraud, having used different aliases and even claiming to work as a child psychologist. She previously served a suspended sentence for fraud in Ireland and another conviction for fraud in Britain back in 2011. In July 2023, she was arrested for defrauding the social welfare system out of over €60,000 by fabricating a medical condition. She was sentenced to three years in prison earlier this month. The investigation into her latest alleged crimes is nearing completion.