Woman Indicted For Lying About Cancer To Get Free Wedding

By Julie Gerstein


A couple of years ago, we told you about Jessica Vega, the New York woman who lied about having leukemia — to her own fiance even — in order to score a free wedding. Her husband, Michael O’Connell, felt that something about Vega’s claim of incurable cancer didn’t smell quite right, and ratted her out, filing for divorce just three months after their nuptials. Well, this week, Vega was finally indicted on charges of fraud and grand larceny for faking the whole thing.


“By pretending to have a terminal illness, Vega inexcusably took advantage of the community’s hearts and minds, and profited off of their generosity,” said Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. “Our office will hold this individual accountable for fleecing the public through lies and deception.”


Her terminal cancer lie scored Vega a free bridal reception, free hair and makeup, and a donated wedding dress.


After divorcing in 2010, O’Connell and Vega reconciled and had a second child, because, said O’Connell, “She’s a good mom. I want my kids to have their mother back.” Mmmkay. She faces from 16 months to four years in prison for each of the six counts of fraud and grand larceny.


Jessica Vega, Lies, Marriage, Relationships, Wedding

Woman Indicted For Lying About Cancer To Get Free Wedding