Kristen Seamans
/ File photo
SYRACUSE -- A Cincinnatus woman will spend the next six months behind bars after faking cancer and stealing money from a benefit intended to help cover her medical bills.
21-year-old Kristen Seamans, of 5197 Gee Brooke Road, appeared in Onondaga County Court Monday morning and was sentenced to six months of "shock treatment" jail time and five years of probation. The Onondaga County District Attorney's Office says they had requested state prison time.
State Police arrested Seamans back in August, saying she lied to relatives by telling them she had breast cancer. They arranged a benefit for her, which was held July 16 at the Pompey Rod & Gun Club.
Police say Seamans told the trustee of the benefit she was using the money raised to help pay for medical bills to treat her cancer.
The DA's Office says prior to sentencing Seamans pleaded guilty to felony counts of scheming to defraud, grand larceny, and misdemeanor petit larceny. She will be required to pay restitution for the $1,010 that she spent. The remaining money she raised was kept by a trustee, and will be returned to those who contributed.
Earlier this year, an Onondaga woman lied about having Lymphoma in order to get attention. 31-year-old Brigid Corcoran was sentenced in June to five years probation and had to pay restitution.
Do you agree with the sentencing for Seamans? What impact do you think this will have on future benefits? Would it cause you to think twice before donating? Leave your thoughts below.
