Newberry Woman Convited of Breach of Trust

The Whitmire woman accused of defrauding people out of money by falsely reporting 15 year old daughter had cancer was convicted today by a Newberry County Magistrate of Breach of Trust With Fraudulent Intent.

Angela Ann Chapman, 36, of Lake Street, Whitmire, SC was arrested and charged with Obtaining Goods Under False Pretense on May 25. She appeared in court today representing herself and requested a trial by the judge.

After hearing the testimony of the State, represented by the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, and the defendant, Magistrate Ron Halfacre found Chapman guilty of Breach of Trust With Fraudulent Intent.

“There is overwhelming evidence that you are guilty of this crime,” said Halfacre to Chapman on pronouncing the verdict. “The community put their trust in you and you breached that trust.”

Halfacre sentenced Chapman to pay $1,849.85 restitution to be paid within 30 days. If the restitution is not paid in that time, she will face a sentence of $2000.00 or 30 days in jail, the maximum penalty for this offense.

Because a large portion ($1527.85) of the contributions were cash donations given by various individuals, the Sheriff’s Office is going to donate that amount to St. Jude’s Hospital, if the restitution is paid. The remaining balance will go to documented victims who can provide records of their contributions such as cancelled checks.

“We felt that those who gave money did so with the final purpose of helping St. Jude’s Hospital with their treatment of children who really do have illnesses and diseases and need assistance so this seemed the appropriate disbursement of the funds because we absolutely were not going to allow the defendant to profit from this incident,” said Sheriff Foster. “Should she choose not to pay the restitution or fine, the community can rest assured that they she will be jailed in accordance with the sentence.”

For full details, go to https://local.nixle.com/alert/4699082/?sub_id=424904.