Pa. woman who faked cancer, drew gifts gets prison

NORRISTOWN, Pa. – A suburban Philadelphia woman who admitted lying about having cancer and soliciting donations that she used to pay bills and drug debt has been sentenced to prison.

A Montgomery County judge on Monday sentenced 27-year-old Upper Moreland resident Alicia Tolton to 11½ to 23 months in prison on charges of theft by deception, forgery and other counts. Tolton will also have to serve three years of probation.

She pleaded guilty in the case.

Authorities say Tolton's friends organized a beef and beer benefit last year as part of "Wishes for Alisha." Two friends who helped organize the fundraiser told the judge they felt "humiliated" and betrayed.

Authorities estimate Tolton took in about $1,000 during the fundraiser and received two tickets to a Philadelphia Eagles game.