Ohio mom competent for trial in cancer-scheme case

NEWARK, Ohio (AP) — A central Ohio woman accused of faking a cancer diagnosis for her 4-year-old son has been found competent for trial.

An attorney for 31-year-old Emily Creno, of Utica, had requested a competency evaluation and filed court paperwork to pursue an insanity plea.

A Licking County judge today said the evaluation determined Creno is able to understand court proceedings and help in her defense. It also concluded Creno didn’t suffer from a mental disease or defect that would have kept her from understanding the wrongfulness of her alleged actions.

Authorities allege Creno shaved her son’s head in a scheme that convinced him and others he was dying and bilked people out of donations. She is charged with felony child endangerment and theft.

Her trial is scheduled March 18.