Ex-DJ admits faking illness for money

• Tweet

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Aug. 22 (UPI) -- A former radio disc jockey in Kentucky has admitted stealing $120,000 by falsely claiming to have Lou Gehrig’s disease and cancer.

Todd Edward Smith, who used the name Todd Kelly on the radio in Louisville, pleaded guilty in federal court, The (Louisville) Courier-Journal reported. He told a judge he spent money given by people who thought it would be used to fight amyotrophic lateral sclerosis on himself.

Under his plea agreement, he faces seven years in prison and almost $75,000 in restitution. Formal sentencing will be Dec. 10.

Magistrate Judge David Whalin told Smith he was “living a charade.” He remanded Smith into custody and said he will decide this week whether he should remain behind bars until he is sentenced.

Smith spent the money on eating out, shopping and traveling, including one trip to the NCAA Final Four.

He is also expected to plead guilty to state theft charges.