Iowa woman accused of faking cancer to collect donations pleads not guilty

NORTHWOOD, Iowa (AP) – An Iowa woman accused of faking cancer to collect donations has pleaded not guilty.

Jennifer Hope Mikesell, of Northwood, is charged with ongoing criminal conduct, theft and other crimes. She entered the pleas Monday. Her trial is scheduled to begin April 1.

Authorities say the Northwood resident had told people she was receiving cancer treatments at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Iowa court records say Mayo has no record of Mikesell being diagnosed or treated there.

The court records say Mikesell received multiple donations of money, food and other supplies, as well as a bedroom makeover.