A Colorado social worker faked terminal brain cancer in an elaborate scheme to avoid punishment for phony child abuse charges against a city councilwoman who badmouthed her former girlfriend, according to prosecutors.
Robin Niceta, 42, pleaded guilty to two counts of attempting to influence a public servant, tampering with physical evidence, forgery, criminal impersonation, and two counts of second-degree forgery Tuesday, the Arapahoe County District Attorney announced.
She will be sentenced in January.
The investigation into Niceta's false allegations against Aurora City Councilwoman Danielle Jurinsky stemmed from a January 2022 "anonymous" tip that Jurinsky was sexually abusing her son, said authorities.
The phone call was traced back to Niceta, who at the time, was in a romantic relationship with former Aurora Police Chief Vanessa Wilson.
Investigators determined the tip was made the day after Jurinsky criticized Wilson on a podcast.
Caseworkers were unable to confirm the allegations against Jurinsky and Niceta was charged with attempting to influence a public servant and making a false child abuse report.
In the midst of the case and in an effort to delay her trial, Niceta told her attorneys she had terminal brain cancer, prompting the defense to file medical records from a "Dr. C. Marquez" at "New Mexico Oncology," according to prosecutors.
Investigators determined no such doctor existed, and the medical records were falsified and contained several errors. The MRI scans that accompanied the records were taken from the internet.
A fake "New Mexico Oncology" Facebook page was traced back to an IP address associated with Niceta, as well as a phone number for the fraudulent practice.
"It's absurd that a former social worker entrusted to protect children maliciously attempted to tear a family apart with false accusations against another public official," District Attorney John Kellner said in a statement. "Her actions were spiteful, vindictive, and wasted numerous county resources. I believe her nefarious conduct warrants additional time in the Department of Corrections."
