19-228 Economic Crimes Detectives Arrest Woman for Adoption Fraud
Economic Crimes Arrest
Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
-Economic Crimes Unit
Director of Adoptions- Susan Deckrow for Thomas Fischgrund, P.A. (Victim)
Joshua and Lindsey Buechler (Victims)
Ceara Rae Stowe (Arrested)
DOB: 03/26/1993
Address: 6831 80th Avenue North in Pinellas Park
Charges: Two felony counts of Adoption Deception
What:
Detectives assigned to the Economic Crimes Unit have arrested a woman for adoption fraud.
When:
The investigation began in June 5, 2019. The suspect was arrested on August 14, 2019.
Where:
The investigation was conducted in Pinellas County. The suspect was arrested at 6831 80th Avenue North in Pinellas Park.
Why/How:
Detectives assigned to the Economic Crimes Unit have arrested a woman for adoption fraud.
According to detectives, their investigation began in June 2019, when they were notified by a local adoption agency of suspected fraud.
Detectives say Joshua and Lindsey Buechler, both 35-years-old from Nebraska, were contacted by 69-year-old Susan Deckrow, Director of Adoptions at Thomas Fischgrund P.A. after their adoption profile was selected by Ceara Stowe.
On December 21, 2018, 26-year-old Ceara Stowe, who was pregnant and incarcerated at the Pinellas County Jail at the time, signed a pre-birth agreement for the adoption of her twins with the Buechler family. Joshua and Lindsey Buechler signed and accepted the Acceptance of Adoption Agreement for Fees to adopt Stowe’s unborn twins on December 24, 2018.
While in the jail, Stowe communicated with the Buechlers through the jail email system and written letters. Stowe was released from incarceration on March 4, 2019 and continued communicating with the Buechlers and Deckrow by phone and text messages.
In late April or early May, Stowe told the Buechlers her doctor planned to induce labor on June 3, 2019. During that time, Stowe continued to communicate with the Buechlers and Deckrow maintaining her decision to place her unborn twins with them. As part of the adoption agreement, the Buechlers continued to pay fees to Stowe for rent, food and personal items during her pregnancy.
On May 29, 2019, Stowe texted Deckrow requesting $1500 for rent, $250 allowance and an additional $350 for other various bills. The $2100 was paid by both the Buechlers and Deckrow.
On June 3, 2019, Stowe texted the Buechlers that she was headed to Bayfront Hospital to be induced. The Buechlers arrived a few hours later at the hospital to discover Stowe was never admitted. Text messages from the Buechler’s and Deckrow went unanswered by Stowe.
The following day, with a medical release, Deckrow learned Stowe had given birth in the early morning hours of May 26, 2019. Stowe had not notified the Buechlers or Deckrow of the birth of her twins when she requested the latest payment of $2100. Copies of the birth certificates confirmed the date and times of birth for the twins.
On August 14, 2019, detectives conducted an interview with Stowe and she admitted to signing the Pre-Birth Agreement while in jail. Stowe acknowledged receiving funds after the birth of her twins and rescinding the adoption agreement, but not notifying the Buechlers or Deckrow.
Stowe was arrested on two felony counts of Adoption Deception and transported to the Pinellas County Jail without incident. After the arrest, Stowe’s 50-year-old mother took custody of the new born twins and Stowe’s four other children.
The investigation continues.
