I-Team: Cops: Nurse Fakes Her Cancer

by Randy Travis
Aired 1/20/16

CUMMING, Ga. -
People all over North Georgia offered up their prayers, their love and their money for a Cumming woman who told everyone she had Stage IV ovarian cancer. Authorities said it was all a lie.

Forsyth County sheriff's detectives charged 29-year-old Mary Bennett with theft and forgery. The shocker: they said she never had cancer. Her defense attorney had no comment.

For years, though, Bennett's social media posts went on and on about her bucket list, fun things she wanted to do before her supposed terminal illness won out. Detectives say the licensed practical nurse spent years collecting at least $25,000 in cash and free stuff until someone started asking questions.

Free stuff, like skydiving.

"Anything you want to say to the people on the ground or anywhere else before we go?" yelled the instructor to a beaming Mary Bennett as she prepared to jump.

"Um, another check off the bucket list!" she yelled back, the entire experience captured in a souvenir DVD. Another day Mary Bennett decided to live like she was dying.

She had quite a bucket list. A free trip to New Orleans. A free Hot Air Balloon ride. A free weekend at Treasure Bay in Biloxi.
A free fishing trip in the Gulf. A free ride on the Skyview over Centennial Park. A free hunting trip with celebrity hunter Haley Heath. Free Braves tickets... including a signed card from Freddie Freeman, Jason Heyward, Andrelton Simmons and manager Fredi Gonzalez saying Mary was "in our thoughts and prayers."

"What do you predict this community's going to think when they find out the truth?" FOX 5 I-Team reporter Randy Travis asked Forsyth County Sheriff's Department detective Jeffrey Roe.

"I think a lot of people are going to be shocked."

[stephaniedurann]

I lost my mother to ovarian cancer. She sure as hell didn’t have the energy to do a bucket list.

[James-zeni]

She got 5 years prison, 15 years probation and has to pay back everyone

[truthtoberevealed]

I once faked that I was sick. But all I did was call in to work and went out drinking with my friends... then I really got sick.

[heezypeasy]

I lost my mom to cancer in 2016. This kind of crap really pisses me off. It's one of the lowest things you can do.

[xxliaz]

Even real cancer patients doesn’t even get all the things she got that’s sad

[dylanwebster]

“Wore a mask because she claimed her immune system was compromised.” I forgot that wearing masks wasn’t usual 4 years ago

[TheManekicat]

The only survivor in this story was that skydiving instructor.

[datmanbrooksiehd]

If you’ve lost someone to cancer, I’m so sorry. I send my love to you. Lung Cancer took my dad in 2015. The most important thing is not the trips and gifts. It’s being close to your loved ones. My dad died sleeping in his bed surrounded by his family. Rest In Peace Dad ❤️

[kidwitt]

I was told I had cancer in 2016...my first thought was protecting my family, not fulfilling any kind of bucket list!...Never once did I ask people for money!!!.... BTW I am cancer free shame on this woman!!

[volf]

No one's talking about how amazing and generous her community is. A pity she took advantage of them.

[TryNotToLie]

She must of seen hundreds of people dying, especially since she's a nurse. Yet, she still decided to do this. 😕

[skittlezchic]

This makes me sick to my stomach and ticks me off to no end. I am a 2 time stage 3 cancer survivor and to think you have someone out there playing on the kindness of others is just mind blowing. I couldn't imagine going through the 12 weeks of radiation and 11 rounds of chemotherapy without family and friends by my side. I pray this woman is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and forced to repay for her lavish trips and what not

[wild_jasper]

"In fact, we're gonna need a bigger bucket"
*slams much bigger bucket on table*
When I tell you that had me C R Y I N G

[awesome]

She was that one girl in school that wore a knee brace for attention

[Glorplagon]

My mother is a cancer survivor. It enrages me think that an actual person could do something as horrific as this. My mother had to stay in our house all day everyday, she didn’t have the energy to do all the things this woman did.

[amyluvslouie]

As a cancer survivor who never asked for anything but prayers, I am so upset. Because of people like this- people who really NEED HELP will be less likely to get it because of mistrust. How do you live with yourself?!

[StripperPhysics]

She’s awfully plump for 2yrs of chemo. 😬😬😬😬🤮

[kiki]

She's the healthiest, chunkiest stage 4 cancer patient I've ever seen. Nobody questioned her "nutritious" apperance and energetic vibes???

[ginger]

I can’t imagine how exciting it is when a reporter receives an unmarked envelope of photos and videos.

[adrian]

I’ve never seen a stage 4 cancer patient that was over weight