District Judge Dave Gamble transfered the case of a Gardnerville woman accused of bilking thousands of dollars from friends by pretending she had cancer to Department Two because he knows the suspect.
He ordered Erika Williams to appear before District Judge Michael Gibbons on Oct. 20 to enter a plea to felony obtaining money under false pretenses.
Williams, 33, is accused of accepting $4,000 in money and gifts from people who thought she had cancer.
She is being held in Douglas County Jail on $10,000 cash bail.
Williams also is accused of fabricating a story that she was raped and gave birth to a baby girl whom she turned over to Gamble in his capacity as the founder of City of Refuge, a private home for pregnant women.
"Your name is quite prevalent in the police report," prosecutor Laurie Trotter told the judge.
Williams also claimed Gamble was her youth minister when she was in middle school.
"I am acquainted with her," Gamble said Tuesday. "I've known her since she was a kid. No. 1, I have never been a youth pastor. I had a youth group. No. 2, all of that stuff about City of Refuge is made up. She never had a baby. She never lived out there."
According to a criminal complaint, Williams ingratiated herself with people by claiming to have a fast-growing cancer. She shaved her head, bandaged herself and inserted tubes to make it look like she was undergoing treatment
Concerned friends responded to Williams with money, rides to radiation treatment, gifts, places to live, frequent flier miles, meals, and what she really craved " love and attention.
The deception took place from Aug. 1, 2007, until Jan. 25, 2008.
Her stories turned out to be lies.
Williams was arrested Sept. 11 following a lengthy investigation.
Gamble wished her well as she was led back to Douglas County Jail.
"Take care, Erika," Gamble said. "I hope this provides you with the opportunity to change your life."
