Detroit Woman Accused In Fake Baby Illness Scam

FERNDALE (AP) - Authorities say a Detroit woman falsely claimed she had a baby and hosted a fundraiser for the non-existent child's medical bills.

The Daily Tribune of Royal Oak reports a judge in Ferndale on Tuesday ordered 27-year-old Monique Bartlett to undergo a psychiatric exam to determine whether she is competent to stand trial.

Defense lawyer Loren Dickstein says in a statement Bartlett "never intended to hurt or deceive anyone.'' And he confirms that his client now is pregnant.

Bartlett is charged with misdemeanor fraud after police say she hosted a fundraiser in Ferndale in June and collected at least several hundred dollars. Police said Bartlett got in touch with some former high school friends using Facebook and set up the scam months in advance, even hosting a baby shower.
  
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.