Woman accused of faking cancer for donations

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MCLENNAN COUNTY

Posted: Updated: Nov 4, 2009 06:30 PM CST

by Sara Talbert and Laura Avila

MCLENNAN COUNTY - A 24-year-old woman is behind bars for allegedly confessing to investigators that she claimed to have cancer in order to receive thousands of dollars in donations.

According to the arrest affidavit, a benefit was held for Trista Joy Lathern at the Hog Creek Ice House just north of Waco. At least $10,000 was collected through donations. The complaint states Lathern had even shaved her head telling people she was undergoing chemotherapy.

Lathern allegedly went to a Waco plastic surgeon for the surgery. The surgeon however realized Lathern never had cancer. The complaint states the doctor took $3,509 as a down payment for a breast augmetnation operation, suspecting the payment came from stolen money, called his attorney, who then contacted the McLennan County Sheriff's Office.

Lathern is charged with Theft by Deception Over $1,500, Under $20,000; a state jail felony.

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