CHESTERFIELD, Va. (AP) — A Virginia woman has been convicted of defrauding co-workers out of more than $2,000 in cash and gifts by falsely claiming her young daughter had terminal cancer.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports (http://bit.ly/1O7bCfB) that 26-year-old Katie H. Patterson pleaded guilty Monday to one count of obtaining money under false pretenses in connection with accepting donated cash to help with purported expenses related to her daughter’s false illness.
Chesterfield prosecutor Reneen Hewlett says Patterson lied to co-workers that her daughter had leukemia. Police say Patterson then fraudulently solicited and received donations.
Chesterfield police Capt. Brad Badgerow says when Patterson was confronted, she said she lied because she was having financial problems.
Patterson’s attorney says that the defendant has made restitution to the victims.
Patterson is set to be sentenced Dec. 21.
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Information from: Richmond Times-Dispatch, http://www.timesdispatch.com
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