MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) - An Iowa woman who defrauded charities by pretending to have cancer was spared from prison Monday after receiving a suspended sentence of up to 25 years.
Jennifer Hope Mikesell, 44, of Northwood was also ordered to pay restitution and continue to seek treatment from a mental health professional, the Globe Bazette reported.
She pleaded guilty in November to a felony charge of ongoing criminal conduct.
Mikesell was arrested in December 2019 after being accused of pretending to have cancer and reaching out to local charities and individuals for donations of money, goods and services. She purportedly forged doctors’ notes from providers at Mayo Clinic, where she claimed to be receiving care, according to court documents.
Mikesell obtained contributions from Meal Train and GoFundMe. She also received a renovated bedroom from My Happy Haven, a Mason City-based organization which provides recuperation spaces in the homes of patients diagnosed with life-altering illnesses.
The Mayo Clinic’s records obtained through search warrants showed medical providers there had never diagnosed Mikesell with cancer, nor treated her.
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