Watch CBS News

Mother Accused Of Stealing Burned Son's Fund Arrested

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) -- The mother of a St. Paul teen, who was set on fire, has been arrested for allegedly stealing from his medical fund.

Last July, Antoine Willis suffered second and third-degree burns after police said his mother's boyfriend doused him with lighter fluid and lit him on fire.

Willis' uncle set up an account so people could donate money for his medical bills. That uncle, Jerry Stewart, and Willis' mother, Jodi Stewart, are accused of stealing the money intended to help him. Jodi Stewart was arrested overnight in Hastings.

In July, Willis showed the extent of his injuries after his mother's boyfriend doused him with lighter fluid and set him on fire. Now he is nursing the pain in his heart after learning his mother and uncle may be responsible for taking money donated to help pay his medical bills.

Police said the pair was caught on video taking the money out of the bank and spent it at a casino. Jerry Stewart is currently behind bars.

Police said since Jerry Stewart has a long record, if found guilty, he could be labeled a career criminal and given the maximum sentence, which is five years in prison. Jodi Stewart faces a year in jail.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.