MARION, Ind. – A woman was accused of pretending to have cancer in order to scam people for money Thursday.
Marion police officers said in December 2016, 39-year-old Tina Stanley began documenting her breast cancer progression on social media. Stanley told officers she was diagnosed with cancer twice, with the latest being April 17 by a Fort Wayne doctor.
The woman led her social media following to believe she received two chemotherapy treatments as she posted the progression of her cancer online, police said. In addition, she also sold cancer awareness t-shirts and bracelets to raise money for Cancer Services of Grant County, according to detectives.
Officials at the cancer center said they never received any donations from Stanley.
Detectives said Stanley told them she was cured and released from care April 24 when questioned about her diagnosis. Later, police said Stanley admitted to lying about having cancer.
Marion police said Stanley said it was a “mistake” and she lied to gain attention and “she wanted to make herself look good.”
Stanley was arrested at her home and charged with eight counts of theft. Her bond was set at $500,000.
If you purchased any items from Stanley, contact Det. Lt. Justin Faw at (765) 668-4417.
