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A Cache County woman who admitted faking brain cancer to defraud well-wishers of thousands of dollars was sentenced Tuesday to probation and a year in jail.
Lesley Elizabeth Jensen, 27, of Nibley, pleaded guilty last month to two counts of second-degree felony fraud and two counts of third-degree felony forgery. Five similar charges were dismissed as part of plea negotiations.
Jensen faced a potential prison term of up to 15 years in prison for each of the second-degree felonies and up to five years in prison on the third-degree felonies.
But 1st District Judge Brian Cannell suspended up to 30 years of prison time for Jensen, so long as she completes the terms of her three-year probation.
Jensen must undergo a mental health evaluation and complete any recommended treatment, as well as complete 500 hours of community service with a cancer-related charity.
She also must participate in an outreach program "to educate the public on how things can get out of control with one lie," according to the court docket.
Jensen claimed she suffered from advanced-stage glioblastoma brain cancer, according to authorities, and she created altered or forged documents to support her claim.
Jensen received money from a large fundraiser at her former workplace, Cafe Sabor, along with donations from out-of-state organizations and nonprofits, Logan police have said.
Total restitution was set at $27,527.08, which the judge said must be paid "with the money she earns," according to the docket.
Defense attorney Gregory Skordas said Jensen's family sold her home and all of her personal belongings, down to her clothing, according to the Herald Journal. As a result they were able to make a restitution payment of $5,800 just prior to Tuesday's court hearing.