D.A.: Woman faked cancer to get $12,000 from charities

How low will some people go for money?

Here's your answer from today's edition of The Pottstown Mercury:

Berks County detectives this morning arrested a Maidencreek Township woman for alleged fraudulent misrepresentation that resulted in the illegal collecting of $12,000 in charitable donations.

Jenna C. Esslinger was arraigned this morning after an investigation by county detectives. According to detectives, she made up stories that she suffered from amyloidosis and transitional cell cancer.

The Mercury and The Reading Eagle newspapers recounted her stories in features about fund-raising events on her behalf.

The Mercury also included Esslinger as an Operation Holiday recipient based on the fact that other organizations were soliciting funds for her.

Detectives began the investigation when they learned that a doctor's letter that detailed her disease and which she provided to charities soliciting funds was forged.

Check Thursday's edition of the newspaper for a full story.