July 07, 2016
A Bucks County woman who allegedly lied about a terminal cancer diagnosis and solicited $36,000 in donations will have to pay back all of the donated funds and then some.
According to a press release issued on Thursday by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, a civil settlement with Danielle Kunkel, of Newtown, has been reached.
According to the AG's Office, Kunkel must pay $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 release goes on to say the restitution will be distributed by the AG's Office to “one or more charitable organizations in and around Bucks County providing medical care for cancer patients.” It doesn’t specifically list which organizations will receive the funds.
The Charitable Trusts and Organizations Section handled the investigation.
Kunkel allegedly told her family and friends she was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic lymphoma and was facing more than $1 million in medical expenses and planned to travel to Germany for treatment. When she returned from her trip, she allegedly said she was cured.
“This woman misled her family and friends, which resulted in their seeking donations for her benefit through the generosity of others," Kane was quoted as saying in the release.
The donated money was raised through several fundraising events, including a dinner, dance, raffle and silent auction as well as individual donation websites.
Read the full release here.
