Truman Student From St. Peters Accused of Faking Cancer to Appear on 'Dr. Phil'

A Truman State University student from St. Peters charged with forgery for allegedly faking cancer will soon be on national television.

According to a report in the Kirksville Daily Express, Victoria Marut will be a guest on a future episode of "Dr. Phil." Marut was charged with a class C felony of forgery and a felony charge of stealing in November. Marut and her attorney Benjamin Gray are expected to attend a taping next week. The exact air date is not currently known.

Marut is accused of faking a doctor's note claiming she had cancer and receiving expensive gifts as part of the scam. A student in Truman's Master of Arts in Education, Marut was working at Kirksville Primary School when she informed the administration she was battling terminal cancer. Concerned about Marut’s health, the University and the primary school asked the Marut to provide documentation that she was physically able to continue her internship.

Department of Public Safety Director for the University Tom Johnson told the Index Marut gave the University a letter later that afternoon. The letter head was a Boone Hospital letterhead with Doctor Michael Trendle’s name. The letter gave Marut's diagnosis, but also said she should be able to continue her internship. Further checking out the issue, Trendle was contacted. Trendle, an oncologist with the Missouri Cancer Associates, confirmed he did not write the letter and never had Marut as a patient.

The Adair County prosecutor charged Marut with felony forgery on Nov. 14 for producing the fake letter. Marut pleaded not guilty this week.  A trial setting is slated for Feb. 4 at the Adair County Courthouse.