By Mari A. Schaefer
The Philadelphia Inquirer
HAVERTOWN, Pa. — Leron S. Magilner told his 191 Facebook friends that he was dying of pancreatic cancer, which he said was spreading “like wildfire.”
Friends and coworkers quickly organized benefits to help with his expenses.
On Thursday, police said it was a fraud and charged the Havertown man with theft. He was being held at the Delaware County jail on $20,000 bail.
In March, Magilner, 34, who worked at the Wooden Indian Tobacco Shop in Havertown, allegedly told coworkers he had months to live. A June benefit at Casey’s in Upper Darby raised $5,500 and was used to pay Magilner’s rent and utilities. A benefit in July at the Trevose Fire Hall in Bucks County raised an equal amount, according to Haverford Township police.
Friends also financed pleasure trips for Magilner.
In a posting on his Facebook site, Magilner sang their praises.
“So right now I am, with the help of some of the best friends a guy could EVER EVER EVER have . . . having just a good time spending time with friends.”
One acquaintance, police said, became suspicious and reported the alleged fraud after Magilner fell on Aug. 10 and was taken to Delaware County Hospital, where he refused any medical tests in relation to cancer.
Investigators searched Magilner’s home and found “fraudulent documentation” that he showed friends to substantiate his illness. Police also obtained hospital records that they said showed he was not suffering from any terminal illness.
Copyright 2011 Philadelphia Newspapers, LLC
All Rights Reserved