New Jersey Woman Admits to Phony Cancer Scheme

A southern New Jersey woman who scammed relatives and others out of cash, meals and even a wedding by falsely claiming she had bladder cancer will likely escape a jail sentence.
 
Burlington County prosecutors say 41-year-old Lori Stilley of Delran pleaded guilty Monday to theft by deception.
 
A plea bargain calls for Stilley to receive four years probation when she's sentenced July 26. She also will have to pay restitution ranging from $15,000 to $20,000 and perform at least 100 hours of community service.
 
She also will have to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.
 
Prosecutors say that in February 2011, Stilley told those close to her and posted on Facebook that she had been diagnosed with cancer. In April, she said her condition had worsened, and supporters soon raised more than $10,000 after she said she didn't have medical insurance.
 
Stilley even authored an e-book that discussed her daily struggle to cope with cancer. It was posted for sale in October 2011 on her personal website at a cost of $14.99 and generated more than $3,000 in proceeds.
 
Family and friends also organized and paid for Stilley's wedding and delivered meals. But those supporters became suspicious in November 2011 when, just as Stilley was expected to enter a hospice, she instead posted that she was feeling better and believed a miracle was coming.
 
Stilley will remain free on $25,000 bail until she is sentenced.

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