A Lady's Island couple claiming to be expecting quintuplets were arrested last night on charges of Obtaining Goods by False Pretenses after an investigation revealed the woman was not pregnant.

Nancy Cantu	Juan Salvador-Solis

Thirty-seven-year-old Nancy Cantu and her 22-year-old boyfriend, Juan Salvador-Solis, were arrested just after 7:00 pm last night at their Youmans Drive home on Lady's Island. The couple is charged with accepting cash and gifts bestowed upon them by members of the community who believed the couple was in need of support for the impending birth of quintuplets.

At this time, the value of goods and monies received by the couple is estimated to be between $1,000-$5,000; however investigators are still seeking out victims who may have made contributions and donations. Currently, the couple could face up to five years in prison or be fined at the discretion of the court if convicted.

The inquiry into the couple's claims was originally initiated after an outpouring of concerns were brought to the attention of Sheriff's Office investigators. Numerous members of the medical profession who were attempting to prepare for the potentially complicated birth expressed concerns for getting Cantu the appropriate medical care. Members of the professional community and private citizens alike had rallied to gather money and supplies to assist the needy family.

When rumors began to circulate that Cantu may not actually be expecting as she claimed, the Sheriff's Office became involved to determine if, in fact, the couples claims may have constituted criminal activity.

On the afternoon of Friday, January 25th, Sheriff's investigators met with Cantu and Solis at their home to follow up on allegations that Cantu may have lied about the pregnancy to fraudulently obtain goods and money. As a result of that meeting, Cantu did undergo an ultrasound at Beaufort Memorial Hospital . The results of the ultrasound confirmed that not only was Cantu not pregnant with five babies, she was not pregnant at all.

Based on the ultrasound results, and the complaints that followed from several donors who had given the couple gifts under the impression that Cantu was pregnant, investigators sought warrants for Obtaining Goods Under False Pretenses.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has since been notified of the couple's arrest and will be following up in efforts not only to help confirm the couple's identity, but also to determine their immigration status, as both Cantu and Solis claim to have originally immigrated from Mexico.

Cantu and Solis currently remain in the Beaufort County Detention Center, each on a $25,000 bond, however, if it is determined that either one, or both of them are here illegally, they may be placed on detainer by ICE.

The investigation into this incident remains active. Investigators are asking anyone who feels they may be a victim of donating items to the couple to please contact the Beaufort County Dispatch Center at 843-524-2777 or Investigator MSgt. Jeff Purdy at 843-470-3483.