Criminal charges can quickly start piling up once investigators in Weld, Morgan, and Logan County start looking into an incident. The charges she is facing don’t even have to relate much to each other, as seen in a case in the news this morning. According to news sources, a Colorado woman has been formally charged with Charitable Fraud – C.R.S. 6-16-111, Child Abuse – C.R.S.18-6-401, and a felony count of Theft – C.R.S. 18-4-401. Apparently, she informed friends and family her 6-year-old son had cancer. The community began fundraising, and over $25,000 was placed in an account for the boy. The catch? He didn’t actually have the disease.
What is Charitable Fraud?
Charitable Fraud is charged in Greeley, Evans and Erie whenever a person:
“With the intent to defraud, devises or executes a scheme or artifice to defraud by means of a solicitation or obtains money, property, or services by means of a false or fraudulent pretense, representation, or promise in the courts of a solicitation.”
In other words, if you trick people into giving you money by lying about a situation (a “false or fraudulent pretense”) you will be accused of Charitable Fraud. The woman lied to the community “with the intent to defraud,” and obtained money in return. In this situation, Charitable Fraud is a class 5 felony (in some situations it is a class 2 misdemeanor), which carries a possible sentence of up to 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections.’
What are Child Abuse and Theft?
Child Abuse was likely charged in this situation because the woman caused an “injury to a child’s life or health.” “Injury” is a vague term, and is likely being used in reference to the boy’s mental health. When injury other than serious bodily occurred, Child Abuse is a class 1 misdemeanor. The woman could face up to 18 months in a county jail. The woman was charged with Theft because she obtained money from other people through deception. Because threat or intimidation was not used, she was mostly likely charged with a class 5 felony, which is punishable by up to 3 years in prison.
Charged with Charitable Fraud? Contact Us to Defend Your Future
If you have been accused of Charitable Fraud, or are being investigated for criminal impersonation for benefit like this Colorado woman, don’t hesitate to contact one of our skilled criminal lawyers for a free consultation. Working with donations and money can be a confusing process, and mistakes can be made. Don’t let a mistake ruin your future or employment opportunities. Contact one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys to begin working immediately on your defense. Don’t stand alone in court and face a judge or jury – you need an advocate in court.
If you or a loved one has been accused of Charitable Fraud or another type of fraud, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009, or submit the “Get Help Now” for a free consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
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