Susan Stillwagon, N.J. mom, faked son's cancer and collected donations, police say
(CBS) PENNSAUKEN, N.J. - Police say a 35-year-old New Jersey mother of four is facing charges after she falsely told friends, family and even her own son that he had cancer and accepted fundraising money.
CBS Philly reports that Susan Stillwagon used her Facebook page and word of mouth to tell people that her elementary school age son had a type of lymphoma, according to police.
"The soccer team, the mothers were doing cupcake sales, they were selling bracelets, they were selling necklaces, they had a bingo night that they raised money," said Pennsauken Police Lieutenant Michael Probasco.
According to the station, officials were alerted when they received an anonymous tip from another police department.Shortly thereafter, police also received a call from the child's elementary school, after school officials became suspicious of the claims. Stillwaggon was charged Thursday with theft by deception, forgery, endangering the welfare of a child, and using a juvenile to commit a criminal offense.
Police are still calculating how much money was involved and are asking anyone who attended or knew about a fundraiser to call Pennsauken Police Sergeant Cheryl Duffy at (856) 488-0080 ext. 2407.