Photo: Bill Shaw/Indiana Public Media News
Stage wreckage from the Indian State Fair stage collapse in August 2011.
An Indianapolis woman has struck a plea deal following charges she defrauded the state to get money from the fund that aids Indiana State Fair stage collapse victims. Stephanie Murray pleaded guilty to forgery and perjury in Marion County Criminal Court Monday.
Murray’s deal with prosecutors calls for a five-year jail sentence, four of which to be executed in the county work release program. The term includes one year probation and 100 hours of community service. However, the judge must still approve the deal.
Prosecutors say Murray claimed on a form to be an 11-year-old girl hurt in the August 13 stage collapse that killed seven and injured more than 60 others.
Deputy Prosecutor Anne Harrigan says Murray later got a claim check for $2,984.71, but was stopped by police and arrested.
Murray has children and will serve home detention pending her sentencing on Monday, October 5 at 10 a.m.
