Teeanger Who Faked Cancer Now Faces Possible Jail Time for Theft

I have a lot of sympathy for cancer victims. They are incredibly brave people who go up against incredible odds fighting a devastating disease. I have much respect for them. But, I have absolutely zero sympathy for anyone who fakes the disease for their own personal gain.

Police in Horizon City, Texas, has filed criminal charges against a teenager who raised thousands of dollars by pretending to have cancer. Ruth Angelica Gomez, 18, created the "Achieve the Dream" foundation to help children battling with leukemia. She claimed that she once had leukemia as a child and was now fighting a "fatal resurgence" of the cancer, which would take her life by the end of the year. But after a three-month investigation, police have found no evidence that Gomez ever had leukemia.

Gomez had raised about $17,000 from fundraisers, checks and other donations. She now faces charges of deception over $1,500, a felony that could result in 2 years jail time. Here's what I think should happen: Gomez gets the full sentence for faking cancer (because I don't care what your reasons are, you just don't fake cancer), then the court should take all those donations she scammed off of these folks and give it to a legitimate, reputable charity that can put these people's kindness to good use.