Brandy Phillips was sentenced in Fayetteville this morning by Circuit Judge, Tom Fast.  Phillips was originally charged with four counts of felony Fradulent Schemes, four counts of Felony Conspiracy, and Child Abuse in August of 2023.

Between December of 2021 and March of 2023, Mrs. Phillips lied, leading the community to believe her child had cancer in order to secure more than $20,000 for what she indicated was for her son's treatment expenses, food and travel to hospitals in Morgantown and Cincinnati. 

The primary targets of her deception were Fayetteville Baptist Church, the Fayetteville Women's Club, Izzy's Walk Fundraiser, the Iron Pigs Motorcycle Club, and other generous individuals in town.   

After a comprehensive investigation spanning several years, a report of more than twenty pages was submitted to the court by Probation Officer, Bill Canterbury.  Several of the original charges were dismissed, but Mrs. Phillips was found guilty of False Pretenses, violating WV Code §61-3-24.  The felony conviction carries a penalty of 1-10 years in prison. 

Letters of support for the defendant by Crystal Woodrum, Owner of Sweet Frog Yougurt Shop, and Debbie Humphrey, of Daystar Worship Center were acknowledged by Judge Fast.  

Mrs. Phillips was given an opportunity to speak on her own behalf at the sentencing.  Standing and speaking into the microphone, she apologized and said she "deeply regrets" the circumstances that brought her here. 

She said in the beginning she believed her son had cancer and was seeking emotional support. She expressed wanting to take responsibility to return all monies and that she has learned from this experience and wants to rebuild trust.  She made a commitment to better decision making in the future. 

Mrs. Phillips attorney, Mr. James Adkins, said Phillips had "exaggerated" about her son's medical issues.  He said her plea is guilty but stressed that she has no prior criminal record, maintains employment and has not had any positive drug tests. He said she is not a danger to herself or others.

Victim Impact Statements

Victim impact statements were acknowledged and two victims spoke at the hearing: Linda Clonch, speaking for herself and on behalf of Fayetteville Baptist Church and Jenny McManaway, speaking on behalf of the community and Izzy's Walk. 

Izzy's Walk had been held annually in Fayetteville since the passing of 4-year-old, Izzy McManaway, in 2012.  Izzy had rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of childhood cancer.  Izzy's Walk, a charitable event, provided an opportunity to honor her memory, raise awareness about childhood cancer and collect money for families impacted by this disease. 

In her statement before the court, Mrs. McManaway said: 

 "Since Brandy Phillips has taken advantage of so many hard working people, churches, and organizations, I would, of course, love to see her give back to the community.  If not with money, with time and effort.  She gladly took the money from Izzy's Walk...Brandy portrayed her son as having cancer for her own financial gains...she has not only deceitfully taken money but she has also destroyed the trust of people who were more than willing to help out sick children..." 

As a result of broken trust in the community, Izzy's Walk has been cancelled since the investigation began.   

"In the end, her punishment will never be enough considering the people she has hurt, the lies she has told and her mockery of children with cancer.", Mrs. McManaway concluded.  

Mrs. Clonch, in her statement before the court said, 

"When I met Brandy Phillips in late 2021, she indicated that her son had cancerous tumors in his head and intestinal tract.  She tearfully indicated that no one was interested in helping her..." 

That was the beginning of generous outpouring from individuals and organizations in Fayetteville providing food, gas cards, cash, and Christmas purchases for the entire family.

"The trips [that Phillips indicated were needed] became more frequent and the news of his condition always worsened according to her.   All lies, as her son did not have cancer! We were made aware of this once the investigation began into the fraud charges against her." - Mrs. Linda Clonch  

On one occasion, according to the statement made by Mrs. Clonch, there was a request for money by Phillips due to a three-day stay in Ohio so her son could have surgery.  Five-hundred dollars was allocated for her, but Phillips indicated that the amount was not enough due to the price of hotel rooms in that area. 

It was determined later that no surgery had taken place. No money was returned. 

At the close of her remarks, Mrs. Clonch said, "I'm thankful [child's name] isn't a cancer victim as so many children are.  I just wonder how all her lies have affected him."