When times are tough, people in Michigan and elsewhere may resort to all kinds of activities to keep them going. A federal court recently sentenced a 35-year-old woman in another state after she pleaded guilty to several fraud charges in October. According to court documents, the woman engaged in multiple fraudulent activities from 2015 through 2019. However, investigators claim they had evidence showing she committed scams as far back as 2006.
The fraud charges to which she pleaded guilty in October include posing falsely as a muscular dystrophy victim and also a mother diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. The court determined that she took advantage of nonprofit organizations that assist individuals and families who face debilitating disorders and terminal illnesses. She also accepted various benefits and donated items.
The court said she benefited from exploiting the generosity and sympathy of others. She also accepted undeserved and unnecessary personal care by volunteers. The court heard the statement of a woman who believed and provided care to the wheelchair-bound woman who was a guest at a camp that catered for disabled individuals. Another report presented to the court was that of a woman who believed the accused woman’s terminal cancer stories. She was a caring friend who wanted to provide emotional support.
After her guilty plea to a count of mail fraud and four wire fraud counts, the federal court sentenced her to 18 months incarceration followed by three years under the court’s supervision. The woman was also ordered to forfeit items she received from nonprofit organizations and pay restitution of more than $7,600 to those she defrauded. An additional fine of $1,250 also formed a part of the sentence. Anyone in Michigan who is accused of fraud or any other white-collar crimes might benefit from seeking experienced legal counsel to protect their legal rights before and after sentencing.