Woman who faked cancer to get breast implants, charged with theft in Texas
Trista Joy Lathern from Robinson, Texas takes theft by deception to a new level to get breast implants as the McLennan County Sheriff's Office is identifying victims of her deceit. As a criminal defense attorney in Austin, Texas my law office has never seen a case like this one.
Lathern has been arrested by the McLennan County Sheriff's Office for allegedly faking breast cancer and using money gained from a fundraiser to get breast implants. She told people that she had cancer, and dozens of friends, neighbors and businesses raised over $10,000 for treatment of her illness. She even shaved her head to mimic the affects of chemotherapy. An August 16 benefit included a raffle, silent auction and bake sale, and featured four bands.
Lathern, however, used the money to first seek breast augmentation from a plastic surgeon in the Waco area and then a more involved breast enhancement procedure in Austin, Texas. Her story began to unravel when a plastic surgeon told sheriff's office investigators that Lathern had sought advice on breast augmentation, but never mentioned having breast cancer. A check of medical records at Scott & White Hospital showed that a small mass had been detected in Lathern's left breast during an ultrasound last February. It was removed and found to be benign.
Lathern confessed to an investigator that she did not have breast cancer and was not receiving chemotherapy. The mother of two claimed her marriage was on the rocks and thought that enhanced breasts would help the relationship. Her husband says he first learned his wife did not have cancer from a police detective.
Lathern, 25, was booked on theft by deception over $1500, but under $20,000 at the McLennan County Jail, and her bond was set at $7,500.
