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Bucks Co. Woman Solicits Donations, Lies About Having Terminal Cancer

HARRISBURG, PA (CBS) -- On Thursday, officials announced that a settlement has been reached in regards to a woman who allegedly lied about having terminal cancer.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane reported that the Bucks County woman was the beneficiary of more than $36,000 in charitable giving after she falsely claimed she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of terminal cancer.

The woman, identified as Danielle Kunkel, of Newtown, claimed she was facing more than $1 million in medical expenses. Authorities say she alleged plans to travel to Germany to receive treatment.

While she was away, officials say her family held several fundraising events, including a dinner, dance, raffle and silent auction. The events resulted in charitable donations of at least $36,665, according to the settlement.

"Our investigation showed this woman misled her family and friends, which resulted in their seeking donations for her benefit through the generosity of others," Attorney General Kane said. "This type of behavior is absolutely unacceptable."

Kunkel also had the Danielle Lenihan Kunkel Fundraisers and the Pay It Forward For Danielle.com website, in which she received all the proceeds.

The settlement alleges that Kunkel violated Pennsylvania's Solicitation of Funds for Charitable Purposes Act and the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act.

As a result, she must pay a total of $49,906, consisting of $36,665 in restitution, $3,750 in civil penalties, $8,470 in costs of investigation, $792 in attorneys' fees, and $229 in costs and expenses. The restitution will be distributed by the Office of Attorney General to one or more charitable organizations in and around Bucks County providing medical care for cancer patients.

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