The fake death-seeker was found hiding in a closet to avoid jail

A West Virginia woman has faked her death to avoid a 10-year prison sentence – but hid in a closet at home after a three-day massive search, authorities say.

Julie Wheeler, who was reported missing by her husband and 17-year-old son Sunday, said she fell into the main view of the New River George National River, police and park officials said.

This led to a large, multi-agency search and rescue mission, with helicopters, sniper dogs, oscillators and a diving crew searching in the nearby valley. The Record-Herald said at the time.

As part of the search, investigators obtained a search warrant for his phones and computers – and on Tuesday he found a hideout at his home in Beaver.

“It was all planned out. Told WVVA.

Wheeler and her husband, Rodney Wheeler, were arrested Tuesday on multiple charges, including conspiracy and misrepresentation of information to West Virginia State Police. It is unclear whether the son – who is facing criminal charges – was charged in a criminal complaint for allegedly helping the plant to claim he fell off the cliff.

Julie Wheeler He pleaded guilty to federal health care fraud From the VA in February, after the fraud of 000 300,000, officials say.

He faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of more than $ 250,000 for what prosecutor Mike Stuart called a “despicable crime.”

He will be sentenced on June 17 on that charge. It is unclear whether the couple has a lawyer who can comment on their behalf.

With Post Wires