Woman Scams Friends Out of Money in Search of Free Disney Trip
Lori Jandris Contributed Photo
According to an article by The Morning Call.com, a woman, Sandra James tried to scam 15 friends out of money. James told them she had been given a free trip to Disney because of her terminal cancer. She asked the friends to pay over $600 each in what she called “taxes and fees” associated with the trip. She told them if they helped pay these fees she could bring them along on the trip.
A Lehigh County judge has gotten fed up with James and the delays in her sentencing. He cited “drama” and “passive aggressive behavior”. “You keep finding all kinds of excuses to delay this, but this is happening,” the judge told James (mcall.com)
James, 49, returns to court on March 6th to face felony deception charges and sentencing. James plead guilty to the charges in October, but her sentencing has been delayed three times. First, because she didn’t show up for court, then because she fired her attorney and again Wednesday because she waited until last week to apply for a public defender. (mcall.com article).
James was arrested in January 2018 after several people told police she refused to refund the money she was given for her dream trip to Disney. James used social media to “advertise” her need and cancer diagnosis. Many responded through facebook sending money and writing checks. As the trip grew closer James made up lies about grounded planes and hurricanes and continued to take money. This resulted in almost $3,000 in donations.
James’ medical condition remains unknown. She cannot prove she is receiving any treatments for cancer. It is a disappointment and frustration that cases like this cloud the good work that many charities do. Many free trips are given in good faith, by good organizations, to truly critically ill patients and children.
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