SHAWNEE, Okla. – A Shawnee woman is facing charges after allegedly faking a cancer diagnosis to obtain donations.
Authorities say 40-year-old Jennifer Garrison allegedly claimed to have terminal stomach cancer with only three months to live.
They say she posted to Facebook that she was undergoing chemotherapy and would need a surgery to remove part of her stomach.
The Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office says several groups began collecting money for her treatments and a vacation for her and her son.
Some people became skeptical after she began driving a new truck while not working.
While she volunteered to help tornado victims after the May 2013 tornado, she met a group, who created a fundraiser for her after learning about her alleged condition.
“It’s not only disturbing to think someone would fake serious medical conditions for their own financial gain, but offensive to every Oklahoma family who has truly journeyed through such a difficult time,” said Attorney General Scott Pruitt. “Such deception is a serious crime and our office will always take steps to protect Oklahomans from such fraud. This also is another reminder for Oklahomans to do their research and make informed decisions when donating to charitable causes.”
Garrison is facing a charge of obtaining property by trick, deception, false representation or pretense. If convicted, she could face up to 10 years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.
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