Curry: Women fake injuries to get State Fair benefit money

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Two women are facing charges after officials say they tried to fraudulently obtain money from two funds set up for victims of the Indiana State Fair stage collapse.

Stephanie Murry and her aunt Sandra Hurn have been charged with felonies after trying to collect $22,500 from the Indiana State Fair Remembrance Fund and the Indiana Tort Claim Fund, Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry said.

The Remembrance Fund was created by donations submitted after the tragedy that killed seven people and injured dozens of others. The Tort Claim Fund was created by the state to settle with the injured and the estates of the dead.

“It is particularly troubling that individuals would attempt to illegally profit upon a tragedy such as the State Fair stage collapse,” said Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry.

Hurn collected a $7,500 check from the Remembrance Fund. Surveillance video from Oct. 31 shows Hurn depositing the check – “notably smiling and laughing,” the court documents say - and more video later shows her withdrawing the money.

In early November, a fund administrator noticed inconsistencies in Murry's and Hurn's story. Hurn's claim crumbled under questioning.

"When interviewed about attending the concert, Sandra Hurn said she was there for a couple of the Sugarland songs," said Curry. "And of course Sugarland never played at all."

It's alleged that co-conspirator Murry actually went to the hospital to perpetrate the deception, per the probable cause affidavit.

According to that court document, Murry told Hurn: "Auntie we can get some money. ... I went there anyway - to the hospital. You oughta seen me ... I fell our on the floor, and I performed."

Murry was charged with one count of forgery, a Class C felony; one count of perjury, a Class D felony; and one count of attempt theft, a Class D felony.

Hurn was charged with three counts of forgery, a Class C felony; two counts of perjury, a Class D felony; one count of theft, a Class D felony; and one count of attempt theft, a Class D felony.

“We have zero tolerance for those who wish to gain at the misfortune of others," Curry said.

Both women face up to eight years in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted.