Chesco Woman Faked Cancer Diagnosis In $10K GoFundMe Scam: Cops

CHESTER COUNTY, PA — A Chester County woman who faked a cancer diagnosis in order to land more than $10,000 through online fundraisers has been arrested, authorities said.

Jessica Cornell Smith, 32, of Uwchlan Township, faces charges of theft by deception and receiving stolen property, court documents show.

Over a period of months, Smith launched a GoFundMe page and a Facebook fundraiser, claiming she was fighting a rare form of cancer called hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer. The pages included videos and photos, and asked for funds to cover medical expenses and other costs incurred due to her diagnosis.

Smith was brought on as a guest on the "Ever Evolving Truth," an investigative podcast, months ago. During a lengthy interview, Smith defended her fundraisers and her illness as legitimate against evidence to the contrary mounted by the show's producers.

Smith's husband reported her to Uwchlan Township Police back in July when he could find no medical evidence or bills indicating that she was being treated for cancer, according to authorities.

“This is a disturbing situation where she preyed upon the good nature of other people," Michael Noone, the First Assistant District Attorney in Chester County, told CBS.

Police said that a further investigation revealed that Smith had forged a death certificate of her father, who is alive, so that she could get a day off of work, the report adds.

GoFundMe is working to return the money to donors, according to a statement given to NBC10.