Reports state that cancer fraudster Kristopher Nicholas Cook has pleaded guilty to fraud today.
He pleaded guilty through lawyer Joel Chevrefils in provincial court to one count of fraud over $5,000, the Calgary Herald reports.
“He’s extremely sorry for what he’s done and is already having discussions about him wanting to pay back to society. He wants to make restitution to individuals if they can be found and properly documented and to make a donation to the cancer foundation," Chevrefils said outside court, the Calgary Herald adds.
Cook was beaten by fellow inmates at the Calgary Remand Centre earlier this month. He had bruises under both eyes, resulting from a broken nose and did not speak during the court proceeding, the Calgary Sun says.
He was arrested in Victoria after police issued a warrant for him in relation the fraudulent fundraiser and received a tip from public.
Attendees became skeptical of Cook after he allegedly held a silent auction to raise funds for his cancer treatment in July of 2011. Guests paid a total of approximately $7,500 for various donated items.
He will undergo a psychiatric assessment before his sentencing hearing on Nov. 13, Metro Calgary reports.
Alleged Cancer Victims
Ashley Kirilow(01 of08)
Open Image Modal23-year-old Burlington, Ontario Ashley Kirilow used the internet, particularly Facebook, for fundraising.Ashley Kirilow was sent to Disneyworld for her dying wish.Kirilow has been the subject of death threats following her exposure as a hoaxster. (credit:MySpace)
Brigid A. Corcoran(02 of08)
Open Image ModalCorcoran raised thousands of dollars at fund raising event, on the untrue claim she had non-Hodgkins lymphoma. (credit:Handout)
Jessica Ann Leeder(03 of08)
Open Image Modal 21-year-old Huntsville, Ontario Leeder used Facebook to solicit funds to support her fight against a non-existent cancer. (credit:Facebook)
Jonathan Jay White(04 of08)
Open Image ModalMelissa Ann Rice, 24, claimed to be a 15-year-old cancer victimThe Jonathan Jay White hoax targeted celebrities, including Lance Armstrong, Tony Hawk and Kenny Chesney.The body of Rice, the hoaxster, was found in her car, a week after charges were laid.
Keele Maynor(05 of08)
Open Image ModalFrom 2003 through 2008 Chattanooga, Tennessee resident Maynor hoaxed co-workers of funds and sick days through claims she had breast cancer. (credit:AP)
Jamie Lynn Toler(06 of08)
Open Image Modal Jamie Lynn Toler told her former boss she needed a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction and was uninsured. She also told the tale to her mother and grandparents. Authorities say Toler helped organize fundraisers and collected more than $8,000. (credit:AP)
Martha Nicholas(07 of08)
Open Image Modal42-year-old mother of two, who claimed she had ovarian cancer, since she "was in her twenties". Was a beneficiary of the Relay for life charity. (credit:Hanover County Sheriff's Office)
Shona Holmes(08 of08)
Open Image ModalHolmes appeared on television ads on American TV during America's debate over reforming its health care system. Holmes warned American viewers against following Canada's single payer system, claiming she had a life-threatening brain tumor, and claiming that she would have died due to inherent delays in the Canadian medical system. It turned out that she never had a brain tumor, that she had a common congenital condition called a Rathke's cleft cyst. (credit:Screencap)