Ex-beauty queen accused of faking leukemia apologizes

Beauty queen cancer scam

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- A former Pennsylvania beauty queen accused of having faked leukemia to benefit from fundraisers has apologized through her attorney, reports the Centre Daily Times.

Deb Lux, an attorney for Brandi Weaver-Gates, said in a statement to the Centre Daily Times Tuesday that Weaver-Gates is "truly sorry."

"She asks for forgiveness, although she understands many won't find it in their hearts to do so," Lux said.

CBS Pittsburgh reports that Weaver-Gates, 23, waived a preliminary hearing on charges of theft by deception and receiving stolen property.

State police say four large fundraisers were held for the Miss Pennsylvania U.S. International pageant winner, including an April bingo benefit that raised $14,000. They have not said how much was raised through the other benefits.

Lux said her client promises to pay all of the money back.

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