STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — A former Pennsylvania beauty queen accused of faking leukemia to benefit from fundraisers has been charged with stealing from three more victims.
Brandi Weaver-Gates, 23, of Pleasant Gap, was arraigned recently on three additional counts each of theft and receiving stolen property. She’s been jailed since her arrest in August.
Authorities believe Weaver-Gates conned at least 165 people into donating nearly $30,000 through a bingo event and other fundraisers.
Public defender Deb Lux says the former Miss Pennsylvania U.S. International pageant winner is sorry for the thefts and hopes to repay the money.
