CHULA VISTA, Calif. -- A 25-year-old California woman is accused of faking she had cancer to get thousands of dollars in donations.
KSWB reportsthat Meaghan Hudson was arrested in January after an anonymous tipster told Chula Vista police she was not suffering from the illness.
An online fundraising website was set up by her parents to help with Hudson's purported medical condition. They raised $5,000 online plus an additional $2,000 at a bowling fundraiser set up by her friends in Ohio. Many of Hudson's friends supported her by shaving their heads and getting tattoos in her honor.
In February, Hudson pleaded not guilty to four felony charges, including grand theft of personal property. Since then, her step-mother, Margaret Hudson, posted an apology on the fundraising website. She expressed her disappointment in Meaghan's deceptive behavior and promised to pay back money that was donated to her step-daughter's cause. She claimed Meaghan lied about attending San Diego State University and having a nursing degree.
The apology reads in part, "I know you have given your hard earned money out of sincere concern and support for Meaghan and our family. I can't express to you how much I appreciate that and how very sorry I am that your generosity has been taken advantage of in this situation."
Meaghan Hudson has been released from jail on bond and is scheduled to be back in court April 6.
