STATE COLLEGE, (AP) - A former Pennsylvania beauty queen accused of having faked leukemia to benefit from fundraisers has apologized through her attorney for her actions.

Twenty-three-year-old Brandi Weaver-Gates of Pleasant Gap has waived her preliminary hearing in Centre County on charges of theft by deception and receiving stolen property.

The Centre Daily Times (http://bit.ly/1gUDy7R ) reports that public defender Deb Lux said Tuesday that her client "is "truly sorry" and "She asks for forgiveness, although she understands many won't find it in their hearts to do so."

State police say they believe four large fundraisers were held for the Miss Pennsylvania U.S. International pageant winner, including an April bingo benefit that raised $14,000, but they don't have a total amount raised.

Lux said her client promises to pay all of the money back.

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Information from: Centre Daily Times,

http://www.centredaily.com