Mom accused of faking her son's cancer gives up parental rights

MOUNT CLEMENS (AP) -- A Michigan woman who authorities say scammed thousands of dollars from donors by drugging her 12-year-old son to make him appear to have cancer has relinquished her parental rights to the boy. The Detroit Free Press reports Carol Schnuphase of Roseville last Thursday gave up her rights during a custody hearing and the boy will remain in foster care until he's adopted. Defense attorney Dominic Greco says the decision was in the best interests of the boy, who now is 13. Schnuphase pleaded no contest in February to charges of second-degree child abuse and acting under false pretenses. Last month, she apologized for her actions and was sentenced to a year in jail. She was arrested in September. Prosecutors say a hospital tested the boy and declared him cancer-free. Published: Mon, Apr 18, 2011