Charges filed in alleged cancer scam

A Cambria County woman faces charges after she allegedly faked having cancer to solicit donations, court documents stated.

Brandi L. Hammers, 39, was charged Tuesday by Chief County Detective Kristy Freoni for felony counts of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities and theft by deception after police said she allegedly faked stomach cancer for profit.

The investigation was launched following a confidential tip, with law enforcement conducting an in-depth investigation relative to alleged fraudulent health status representations and associated fundraising activities.

According to a criminal complaint, Hammers allegedly held physical and virtual fundraisers to collect funds for an alleged stomach cancer diagnosis she had received in June 2021 by the Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh.

Hammers allegedly raised about $2,000 through Facebook and GoFundMe, and according to the Tribune-Democrat, members of the community paid $42 for a fundraiser held on Hammers’ behalf in November 2021 at the Stone Bridge Brewing Co. in Johnstown.

A confidential informant told police that Hammers had never received a diagnosis, and state police reported that a search warrant found there was no record of Hammers being treated at the Hillman Cancer Center.

Police also discovered there was no record of Hammers being treated for cancer by a primary care provider, Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center and no insurance claims were filed under Hammers’ name relating to cancer.

“It is important that our generous community has faith in the many causes that we support,” District Attorney Greg Neugebauer stated in a release.

Hammers awaits arraignment on both felony counts, and charges have been filed at Cambria County Magisterial District Judge Kevin J. Price.

Police: Pregnant nurse punched

A Northern Cambria woman faces charges after she allegedly punched a pregnant nurse in the stomach, court documents stated.

Stephanie N. Beppler, 39, was arraigned Monday by Cambria County Magisterial District Judge John Prebish Jr. for felony charges of aggravated assault of an unborn child and aggravated assault with attempts to cause serious bodily injury following an incident Monday at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, Johnstown.

According to a complaint, Beppler was in the emergency room when she allegedly punched a nurse, who was 22 weeks pregnant, in the stomach.

Police accuse Beppler of striking the nurse violently with a closed fist, causing the nurse extreme pain.

Court documents state the nurse had to receive an ultrasound due to the pain following the incident.

In addition to the felony charges, Beppler was arraigned on misdemeanor disorderly conduct and summary harassment.

Unable to post 10% of $75,000 bail, Beppler was remanded to Cambria County Prison and is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing March 10 before Cambria County Magisterial District Judge Kevin J. Price.