Deputy's Suicide Uncovers Cancer Lie

[Liberal_in_LA]

Deputy's Suicide Uncovers Cancer Lie
Wednesday, October 7, 2009 12:17 PM

MARION, Ohio — The Marion County Sheriff said Wednesday that a deputy lied about having cancer before killing himself last week.

Deputy Joseph Russell allegedly scammed friends, family members and the community for thousands of dollars to help him treat brain cancer, 10TV's Glenn McEntyre reported.

Russell, 39, never had the disease, according to autopsy results after he killed himself on Sept. 30.

Sheriff Tim Bailey said his department was conned by Russell, who was the county's deputy of the year in 2008.

"My staff is shocked," Bailey said. "They feel betrayed. They are angry. He always came to work. He was always smiling. He was always upbeat. What a con."

According to Bailey, Russell received more than $20,000 from fund raisers that were held to support him. He also accepted more than 600 hours of donated sick time from his co-workers.

Bailey said that Russell perpetuated his scam by shaving his head and eyebrows, and then went to tanning beds to simulate burns from radiation treatment.

Bailey ordered an internal investigation into Russell's misuse of sick time and benefits, and any possible false health insurance claims.

No benefits would be paid out until the investigation is completed, Bailey said.

http://10tv.com/live/content/local/stories/2009/10/07/story_deputy_suicide.html?sid=102

[HubertHeaver]

1. He may not have had cancer but he was definitely one sick

puppy.

[Horse with no Name]

2. I wonder what circumstance in his life that he felt that he must lie

to receive these things?