Prison Sentences For Faked Cancer

A husband and wife who admitted faking their daughter's leukemia to gain thousands of dollars in donations were sentenced to prison Wednesday.

Teresa Milbrandt was sentenced to six and a half years and Robert Milbrandt received four years and 11 months.

Teresa Milbrandt shaved her daughter's hair and gave her sleeping pills to make it appear she was receiving chemotherapy, made her wear a protective mask and put her in counseling to prepare for death, police said. Authorities said the Milbrandts fooled 65 people and businesses into donating an estimated $31,000 for their daughter's treatment.

Teresa Milbrandt read a letter in court apologizing to her daughter, Hannah, her family and the community. She faced more than 14 years in prison after pleading guilty last month to endangering children, grand theft and theft.

Robert Milbrandt had pleaded guilty to endangering children and entered an Alford plea for theft, in which he did not admit guilt but acknowledged prosecutors had enough evidence to convict. He had faced as much as six years in prison.

"We are pleased that our community and Hannah can put this horrific case behind them and that the Milbrandts were held accountable," said prosecutor Nick Selvaggio. "We certainly hope this doesn't affect other families who are in need."

Selvaggio added that Hannah, who is now 8, has been placed in a foster home.

"We presented evidence that detailed the severe emotional harm she suffered," said Selvaggio. "The clinical psychologist expects her to have treatment needs into adulthood."