BRAINLESS TUMOR?

Middletown, Pennsylvania (SafeCITY) – Leslie Herneisey, a 51-year-old Middletown Middle School teacher was jailed after she allegedly faked having a brain tumor to cut class

According to Lower Swatara Township Police, Herneisey falsified documents while claiming to have an inoperable brain tumor so she could get an extended period of time off.

An investigation began when District officials became suspicious about her story after Herneisey showed no symptoms from the chemotherapy she was allegedly undergoing.

Investigators say Herneisey forged federal documents, such as the Family Medical Leave Act, claiming she was undergoing an aggressive chemotherapy program that would not allow her to perform her duties as a special education teacher.

The forms were all purportedly signed by Dr. Jonas M. Sheehan, a neurosurgeon at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

But Sheehan never examined Herneisey, never diagnosed her with any ailment, and didn't even know who she was, according to Police Det. Robert Appleby.

When school officials confronted Herneisey about their suspicions, she reportedly admitted to fabricating the story and then resigned her position.

Herneisey, who has been teaching for 25 years, was twice nominated for Teacher of the Year honors and also received the Thomas Holtzman Award presented by the New Baldwin Corridor Coalition.

Herneisy’s attorney says she is battling depression.

Herneisey was booked into jail on 12 counts of forgery. Her bond was set at $10,000.