A woman who allegedly used a cancer hoax to swindle more than $800,000 from her friends and family pleaded guilty Monday to one count of theft.
Prosecutors said Melanie Chen, 30, collected the money by pretending that her husband, Phylip, was dying of cancer, 10TV's Angela An reported.
Prosecutors said donors began questioning Chen after noticing that her husband did not look ill.
Melanie Chen was arrested in April by U.S. Marshals at a hotel in Utah. Her trial was scheduled to begin Tuesday.
Instead, Chen admitted in court that she lied about her husband being sick in order to collect money.
"I asked for money for medical bills and the medical bills didn't exist," she said.
According to prosecutors, over a span of three years, the Chens collected donations totaling more than $800,000.
Phylip Chen, who also faces charges in the case, is expected to go on trial next week. He has denied any wrongdoing and said the truth would come out in court.
Melanie Chen could eventually testify in that trial, An reported.
Some of the donation money has been returned, including $23,000 raised during an auction of the couple's belongings.
Melanie Chen will be sentenced in September and could receive up to 10 years in prison.
Watch 10TV News and refresh 10TV.com for continuing coverage.
Previous Stories:
May 19, 2009:
Woman
In Alleged Cancer Scam Returned To Ohio
April 29, 2009:
Woman
Accused In Cancer Scheme Arrested In Utah
April 7, 2009:
Prosecutors Charge
Couple In Cancer Scam
