Many trial watchers nationwide, including Michigan may be following the case of a woman in another state who allegedly falsely claimed to suffer from several severe medical conditions. She pleaded not guilty to white collar crimes charges at a recent federal court appearance. The 35-year-old is charged with aggravated identity theft, mail fraud and wire fraud.
According to court documents, the 35-year-old woman was indicted in March for falsely claiming to suffer from spinal muscular atrophy and muscular dystrophy. It is alleged that she used the identity and Social Security documents of another individual to obtain access to a facility for people with these medical conditions. She stayed in the facility from Oct. 2015 through March 2016.
Further allegations include the accused woman claiming to have survived breast cancer. This was to qualify for a trip and donated items sponsored by a nonprofit organization called Young Survival Coalition. Court documents indicate that she also received cycling equipment and a new bicycle as part of the Tour de Pink Survivor Bike Program. These allegations involve the period between Oct. 2017 and March 2018.
Anyone in Michigan who faces white collar crimes charges will be best advised to retain the services of a criminal defense attorney with experience in defending those who are accused of fraud, embezzlement and other white collar crimes. This is typically the most crucial step in protecting the client’s legal rights. Legal counsel can launch an independent investigation on which to base a defense strategy in pursuit of the best possible outcome for the client.