Two charged over fundraising fraud allegations

Two men have been charged over an alleged fundraising fraud related to the death of a promising local footballer, Staffordshire Police have said.

Thomas Chevin, 37, and Connor Hopwood, 27, from Smallthorne, Stoke-on-Trent, are both charged with one count of fraud by false representation over an alleged fraudulent fundraising event in May 2025.

Chevin also faces one count of fraud by abuse of position, and eight of fraud by false representation, connected to coaching activities at a football club based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, the force said.

Both have been released on bail to appear at North Staffordshire Justice Centre on 3 February.

A woman, 36, from Stoke-on-Trent arrested on suspicion of fraud offences faces no further action, Staffordshire Police added.

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