Mom Accused of Faking Son’s Cancer

Authorities say a Licking County woman faked a cancer disagnosis for her 4-year-old son and shaved his head in a scheme that convinced him and other relatives he was dying and bilked people out of donations.

Court records allege the boy was taken to a hospital for symptoms such as seizures.  He underwent blood tests, more than 150 hours of inpatient monitoring and other testing that found no problems. 

His mother, 31-year-old Emily Creno of Utica, is charged with felony child endangerment. 

The Advocate in Newark reports Creno didn’t comment as in court as her bond was set at $50,000.  Court records listed no attorney for her.  The newspaper says a prosecutor would not discuss the possibility of more charges.

Authorities says the alleged hoax began late last year.