D.A.: Woman faked cancer to bilk charities

The sad part about this story is that people who legitimately need help may not get it because the public is becoming more cynical, especially when they read about this kind of scam. As part of her sentencing, this woman should personally apologize to every person who donated to her.

From The Pottstown Mercury:

A Berks County woman who received more than $12,000 in donations after detailing her supposed battle with cancer in the news media was charged Wednesday with theft by deception after it was revealed she did not have cancer and was not using the donated money for medical purposes.

Jenna C. Esslinger, 25, of Blandon, was arraigned by District Judge Dean R. Patton Wednesday after surrendering to Berks County Detectives at the judge's court. Esslinger is charged with limitations on activities of charitable organizations by disclosure requirements and misrepresentation, forgery and theft by deception.

The Berks County District Attorney's office began the investigation in March. She had been featured last fall in stories in The Mercury and the Reading Eagle, and she had solicited the Lions Club for funds to help with the cost of her medical expenses.

Read the full story at the newspaper's Web site.