Emmie blog

Woman accused of faking son's cancer sentenced

A Michigan woman convicted of scamming thousands of dollars from donors by drugging her 12-year-old son to make him appear to have cancer was ordered Tuesday to spend a year in jail as part of a sentence the judge said he was reluctant to impose and family members complained was too lenient.

Carol Schnuphase pleaded no contest last month to charges of second-degree child abuse and acting under false pretenses. On Tuesday, she apologized for her actions before Macomb County Circuit Judge Richard Caretti told her he would give her time in the county jail rather than his preference — state prison.

"Your conduct, ma'am, in this case is reprehensible. To tell a vulnerable, defenseless young boy that he is dying of cancer for your own pecuniary gain is almost beyond the realm of comprehension," said Caretti, who based his sentence on a deal reached with Schnuphase's lawyer. "To then give your son strong opiate-based pills crushed up in his apple sauce to further your despicable scheme defies all reason."

The defendant's aunt, Lorraine Kelsch, said after the sentencing that the family had wanted Schnuphase to be sentenced to five years in prison.

"My reaction is disgust," Kelsch said. "That sentence stinks."

Defense attorney Dominic Greco said his client's actions were out of character and may have stemmed in part from her husband's sudden death and the recent loss of her job.

"She was basically at the end of her rope," Greco said.

Schnuphase, 47, also is accused of shaving her son's head and eyebrows. Court records show she told her son he had leukemia. Prosecutors said a hospital tested the boy, who is now 13, and declared him cancer-free, although he was going through opiate withdrawal.

Authorities said Schnuphase last year elicited donations from individuals, groups and members of at least one church who believed they were helping to pay for her son's medical care as he underwent chemotherapy. She received $7,500 from a church fundraiser, in addition to other donations, and her son was given gifts, including an Xbox video game system.

Caretti ordered the Roseville resident to pay thousands of dollars in restitution to the church and others who gave her money. He also gave her credit for six months of time served, ordered her to serve three years of probation and house arrest upon her release from the Macomb County jail.

A no-contest plea is not an admission of guilt but allowed Caretti to convict and sentence her.