This lady pulled the cancer card and she didn’t even have cancer.

Jessica Cornell Smith, 32, of Uwchlan Township was arrested Monday after her husband told authorities his wife was lying about her cancer to raise more than $10,000 in donations for her supposed medical bills, news station WCAU reported

“This is a disturbing situation where she preyed upon the good nature of other people,” Chester County’s First Assistant Attorney Michael Noone told news station KYW-TV.

Prosecutors said Smith claimed to be suffering from a rare form of colon cancer on a GoFundMe page and Facebook fundraiser, where she sought donations to cover medical bills, travel costs and child care.

Smith’s friend Terri Coleman told WCAU, “She was very vague about her diagnosis and treatment and really suggestive photos, like a selfie on the bathroom floor, ‘about to give up on life but also please donate to my GoFundMe.'” She reportedly even lied about her father’s death to request a day off of work.

In July, Smith’s husband told authorities she didn’t have cancer and was covered under his employer’s medical insurance. He brought forward documentation to show that his insurance hadn’t even reached the $1,250 medical deductible, officials said.

Police interviewed Smith, who showed them several documents claiming she was receiving chemotherapy treatment and had part of her colon removed — clearly very different from her husbands proof. After digging a little deeper they discovered the documents were fake and the surgery didn’t happen.

On Monday, Smith appeared in court on charges of theft by deception-false impression and receiving stolen property. She was released on bail and set to return to court on Nov. 12.

A spokesperson for GoFundMe said they’re cooperating with law enforcement to return the money from Smith’s fundraiser, WCAU reported. It’s unclear whether the money through her Facebook page will be returned.

Recommended
Join the Discussion

COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.

Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
More Stuff