KIRKSVILLE, Mo. (AP) – A graduate student at Truman State University is facing felony forgery charges over allegations that she faked terminal cancer.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that 22-year-old Victoria Ann Marut of St. Peters was charged earlier this month. Truman State police chief Thomas Johnson says the inquiry continues.

Marut was studying to be a special education teacher but is no longer taking classes.

She told colleagues and professors in June she had terminal non-Hodgkin lymphoma, resulting in sympathy that included gifts and meals.

But Johnson says that after suspicions were raised, Marut admitted she didn’t have cancer and had been shaving her head to make others think she did. He believes she simply wanted attention.

Marut’s attorney declined to discuss details but urged people not to be judgmental.

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