Several sports stars including ex-NFL player Antonio Brown raised more than $80,000 for a Georgia man who was arrested after leaving his kids at McDonald’s.

But now police believe Chris Louis invented his claim to have been at a job interview when his children – aged 10, six, and one – were abandoned at the McDonald’s PlayPlace.

Now Brown is offering refunds to anyone who donated money, insisting the money ‘will remain on hold’ as he tries to ‘make sure it’s for a good cause’.

The 24-year-old father of three – who lives in Augusta, Georgia – faces a misdemeanor charge of Deprivation of a Minor. 

Ex-NFL receiver Brown set up a GoFundMe page enтιтled ‘Pursuit of Happiness.’ He insisted Louis was ‘a dad just trying to find a way to make money for his family. 

‘I know he shouldn’t just leave his kids, but some people don’t have the means for babysitting, etc,’ Brown wrote.

Chris Louis, 24, was arrested for leaving his children at a McDonald’s in Augusta, Georgia

Louis left the three kids at this McDonalds for nearly two hours as he went to a job interview

Ex-NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown heard  Louis’ story and set up a GoFundMe for him

‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ is a 2006 movie, starring Will Smith, about a father’s attempt to climb out of poverty and make a better life for himself and his son. 

The GoFundMe has received around 2,700 donations totaling $83,183 – more than $30,000 over the $50,000 target. 

Among those who have gifted money to Louis are Brown ($1,084), ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit ($1,000) and Chris ‘Swaggy C’ Williams. ‘Swaggy C’, a YouTuber with nearly 600,000 subscribers, donated $2,000.

On Thursday, however, cops shed new light on the case. Witnesses reportedly said the kids were left alone for more than an hour after they arrived at around 4.30pm on March 22.

According to the Augusta Press, Louis told authorities that he had walked to the restaurant with his children from their apartment and did not want to have them walk back while he was at the interview. Louis added that he didn’t have a vehicle.

Louis reportedly claimed they were at McDonald’s because he had applied for a job at the nearby West Bank Inn and was waiting for a callback for a potential interview. 

But police spoke to the manager of the West Bank Inn and soon Louis’ version of events was being called into question.

‘She confirmed that Mr. Louis came in on March 22, 2025, and completed a job application. She also conducted an informal interview with him on that date. When asked if Mr. Louis would be expecting a callback for a formal interview, she stated no,’ the report stated. according to WJBF.

Video surveillance footage, meanwhile, reportedly showed Louis arriving at 1:12pm and leaving at 1:37pm. 

According to the sheriff’s office, Louis’ 10-year-old daughter said her father left the McDonald’s ‘to deliver a backpack to The Hendrix Apartments and told her he would return shortly’. 

But she eventually contacted their mother, who arrived at the McDonald’s at 6:12pm – minutes before Louis returned and was arrested.

ESPN star Kirk Herbstreit gave $1,000 to the GoFundMe page enтιтled ‘Pursuit of Happiness’

‘Based on the video evidence and the timeline provided by all parties involved, it was determined that Mr. Louis was not engaged in a job interview or application process during the time the children were left unattended,’ the sheriff’s office said.

‘Furthermore, by his own admission, he was walking between McDonald’s and The Hendrix Apartments on foot during that period.

‘Given the facts and timeline established through BWC footage, witness statements, and follow-up investigation, it was determined that a misdemeanor charge of Deprivation of a Minor was appropriate to ensure the welfare of the children and facilitate a review of the matter by the court. 

‘This charge ensures that all parties have an opportunity to appear before a judge to determine if the children are receiving appropriate care.’

Brown posted an ‘update statement’ on the GoFundMe page on Thursday, offering refunds and insisting he is trying to establish the truth behind the story. 

‘I’m gathering additional information from the family. In the meantime, I continue to be in touch with GoFundMe and the funds will remain on hold,’ he wrote. 

‘If anyone would like to request a refund in the meantime, GoFundMe will honor it. Will provide an update after more details are figured out. I hope to still help the family out… but want to make sure it’s for a good cause. 

‘I do know Chris was at an interview on that date, and that they have been homeless since November. I will be keeping my donation in regardless of what I find out, but people can do what they please. I hope I can be a help to not only their family, but many in the future. Blessings!’