Site last updated: Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Log In

Reset Password
Butler County's great daily newspaper

Former beauty queen sentenced for scams

BELLEFONTE, Pa. — A former Pennsylvania beauty queen who faked having leukemia to benefit from fundraisers has been sentenced to two to four years in prison.

A judge sentenced Brandi Weaver-Gates, 24, on Tuesday. She pleaded guilty last month to several theft-related charges. She told a judge then that she faked the illness to get more attention from her family.

More in Pennsylvania News

Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter

* indicates required
TODAY'S PHOTOS