TO THE residents of the small town, she was an inspiration. She’d fled her abusive boyfriend with just the clothes on her back, yet she put on a brave face. She’d also dug deep to start a whole new life – and her new community embraced her.
The children she read stories to at the local library sent her letters saying how much she meant to them and neighbours supported her when she told them she wanted to get a degree in child psychology.
They were delighted when she enrolled in a university and was able to get financial aid, which gave her access to thousands of dollars in grants and student loans.
But it was all a lie. Lauren Ashleigh Hays wasn’t a victim of abuse. She wasn’t 22, as she claimed. And her name wasn’t even Lauren Ashleigh Hays.
Her real name was Laura Oglesby, she was 45 and she’d been lying to the town for two years.
The details of Laura’s deception have shocked the residents of the neighbourhood she moved to.
It also emerged that Lauren was her daughter’s name and she’d stolen her child’s identity because she was on the run from police. Laura, who was arrested last year, had racked up thousands of dollars of debt on her boss’ credit card.
She recently pleaded guilty to theft and identity fraud and was ordered to pay thousands of dollars in restitution to her former employer, her daughter and the university she stole from.
Laura also faces up to five years behind bars. The details are so gobsmacking, that many are questioning how she deceived an entire town into believing she was as young as she claimed. But Laura fooled everyone.
This story is from the 9 February 2023 edition of YOU South Africa.
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This story is from the 9 February 2023 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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