A Southern Illinois woman is facing charges after allegedly trying to scam people for money by falsely claiming she and her son had cancer.
The Belleville News Democrat reports that 25-year-old Melissa D. Barton of Troy was arrested Thursday at the Abraham Lincoln Capitol Airport in Springfield. Police say she was on her way to Chicago to appear on the "Dr. Phll" show.
Troy Police Chief Brad Parsons says Barton was charged with theft by deception — similar to charges filed against her Aug. 5.
Parsons says she faced additional charges after a second alleged victim came forward.
Police say Barton appealed to residents for cash via social media, at a local church and in person, claiming she and her son had cancer.
Police say they're still investigating.
