An Oak Ridge, Tenn., woman who faked cancer in an insurance scam is headed to federal prison for six months and will face more than three years of supervision following her release.
Robin Smith Lankford pleaded guilty this week to submitting falsified documents to her insurance company and then pocketing $100,000 meant to pay for her nonexistent treatment, according to a news release from U.S. Attorney Bill Killian.
Lankford, 32, told friends and co-workers she had ovarian cancer. She altered medical records to indicate doctors confirmed the diagnosis, but prosecutors allege it was a scam to bilk Loyal American Life of proceeds from her cancer benefit insurance policy, the release stated.
Lankford pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud. This week, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Varlan sentenced her to six months in jail, six months of home confinement and three years supervised release. She also has to repay the insurance company.
“The victims in this case were treated the same as we would any other victims,” said Killian in a written statement. “The case was prosecuted, because we believe that identity theft is a very serious offense, with wide-ranging consequences. We respect the jury’s verdict and the sentence imposed by the court.”