Woman to give plea in alleged cancer scam

A Gardnerville woman accused of bilking nearly $4,000 in money and gifts by claiming to have cancer is set to appear Sept. 30 before District Judge Dave Gamble.

Erika Williams, 33, waived a preliminary hearing Wednesday in East Fork Justice Court, and is to enter a plea to a felony charge of obtaining money under false pretenses. Originally, Williams was charged with four counts of theft and one count of obtaining money by false pretenses.

She expressed concern about appearing before Gamble. One of Williams' stories was that she was raped and gave birth to a daughter whom she turned over to City of Refuge, a home for pregnant women started by Gamble and his wife, Diane. According to investigators and family members, the story was false.

East Fork Justice Jim EnEarl said it would be up to Gamble to decide whether to hear the case or transfer the matter to District Judge Michael Gibbons.

According to a criminal complaint, Williams ingratiated herself with people by claiming to have a fast-growing cancer. She went so far as to shave her head, bandage herself and insert tubes to make it look like she was undergoing treatment.

Concerned friends responded to Williams with money, rides to radiation treatment, gifts, places to live, frequent-flier miles and meals. But her stories allegedly were lies.

Williams was arrested Sept. 11 after a lengthy investigation and is in Douglas County Jail on $10,000 cash bail.