An Upper Moreland woman who lied about having cancer, and solicited donations through a “beef and beer” fundraiser for her care, will spend one to two years in prison.
Alicia Tolton, 27, was sentenced to 11 to 23 months in Montgomery County prison after pleading guilty to charges of theft by deception, forgery and tampering with records, reports the Pottstown Mercury.
Tolton tricked her friends into organizing a beef and beer benefit called “Wishes for Alicia” October 17, 2010. She said that she had breast and ovarian cancer, authorities say.
“This kind of criminal activity hurts legitimate fundraising efforts that benefit legitimate charities,” Judge William R. Carpenter told Tolton, according to the Pottstown Mercury.
Tolton will also have to serve three years of probation after her prison time.
Two friends who helped organize the fundraiser told Judge Carpenter they felt “humiliated” and betrayed.
“I prayed for her every night, every night I should have used those prayers for people who did have cancer. I hate that I even cried for her,” said the Pottstown woman who helped organize the fundraiser and is a three-time cancer survivor, reports the Pottstown Mercury.
Authorities estimate Tolton took in about $1,000 during the fundraiser and received two tickets to a Philadelphia Eagles game.
Tolton’s defense attorney told the judge that the woman “was in the throes of her addiction” and needed treatment for substance abuse and mental health issues, reports the Pottstown Mercury.