Indiana News

Indy Woman Pleads Guilty To Defrauding State Fair Fund

8/27/2012

An Indianapolis woman has struck a plea deal following charges she defrauded the state to get money from the fund that aids Indiana State Fair stage collapse victims.

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Stephanie Murray pleaded guilty to forgery and perjury in Marion County Criminal Court Monday. Murray's deal with prosecutors calls for a five-year jail sentence, four of which to be executed in the county work release program. The term includes one year probation and 100 hours of community service.

However, the judge must still approve the deal. Sentencing is set for Monday, October 5th at 10 a.m. Prosecutors say Murray claimed to have been hurt in the August 13th stage collapse that killed seven and injured more than 60 others. In a nutshell, they say she claimed on a form to be an 11-year-old girl hurt in the collapse. Deputy Prosecutor Anne Harrigan says Murray later got a claim check for $2,984.71, but was stopped by police and arrested.

Murray has kids and will serve home detention pending her sentencing date. Murray's attorney max Wiley says his client is sorry for what she had done. Murray apologized after the judge set sentencing. Harrigan says Sandra Hurn faces similar charges and they're working on a plea agreement with her as well.

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