SW Iowa woman gets probation in false cancer case

ATLANTIC, Iowa (AP) - A southwest Iowa woman has been sentenced to probation after pleading guilty to falsely claiming her 5-year-old daughter had cancer and raising money for her treatment.

District Court Judge Kathleen Kilnoski on Tuesday sentenced 30-year-old Leatha Slauson to 5 years probation. She also must continue mental health treatment and not contact her five children unless requested by her therapist.

In November, Slauson pleaded guilty to two counts of child endangerment, one of administering harmful substances, one of theft and one of unlawful possession of a prescription drug.

Prosecutors say Slauson said on a Facebook page her daughter had colon cancer. Donations soon began pouring in. An investigation later determined she wasn't sick.

Slauson had given the girl cannabis oil and a cancer drug that gave her cramps and joint pain.