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Police: Couple falsely told 10-year-old son he had cancer as part of scam

Syracuse, N.Y. -- Martin and Jolene LaFrance falsely told their son that he was suffering from cancer as part of a scheme to solicit donations, according to detective Nicole Stewart of the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office.

CJ LaFrance, 10, believed he was diagnosed with cancer, though it's unclear how severe he believed his illness to be, Stewart said.

Martin D. LaFrance
Jolene M. LaFrance

This detail is the basis behind Martin and Jolene being charged with endangering the welfare of a child.