An Illinois mother has been arrested after using her health and her son’s as a money scheme. The 25-year-old mother, Melissa D Barton of Troy, Ill., has many sympathizers in-person and online. She has been telling friends, family, and all of those that will listen that she and her son are battling cancer. Barton has allegedly expressed the need for additional financial support to cover expenses such as rent, since their health care is so costly. The problem, however, is that neither Barton nor her son, who she claims has leukemia, have cancer at all.
The dishonest mother was arrested Aug. 13, 2014 at Springfield’s Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport for theft by deception. Barton has reportedly received between $500 and $10,000 in public donations and financial support.
[Image: KSDK]
Before her arrest, Barton was en route to appear on the popular “Dr. Phil” talk show, when she was arrested. Dr. Phil McGraw is known for featuring guests who are battling various traumas in their lives. Despite the previous allegations that Barton was dishonest about her health, she still planned to be guest on the show.
Allegations of the “fake-cancer mom” surfaced earlier this month. Since then, Barton has publicly disputed the claims. After being called out for writing a note asking for $600 from a church to pay her rent, she responded to Fox3 News, “I would like to see that because somebody must have forged my handwriting or signature because I didn’t write it.”
At this point, it is unclear when the alleged fraudulent mother is telling the truth. Further investigation is underway.
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