Couple used cancer hoax to steal $800,000

DELAWARE, Ohio, June 23 (UPI) -- Sheriff's deputies seized the personal property of an Ohio couple who allegedly cheated family and friends of $800,000 by pretending the husband had cancer.

Melanie and Phylip Chen's jewelry, electronic appliances and other property is to be auctioned Saturday, The Columbus Dispatch reported. Delaware County Sheriff Walter Davis III said the proceeds from the sale will be sequestered until criminal charges against the couple are resolved and will be used to compensate the victims if they are convicted.

Investigators say the couple began the hoax in 2005 and continued it until a relative filed a police report in 2008. They allegedly received $800,000 to be used to pay medical bills.