Theft charges were filed Tuesday against 40-year-old Sandra Dee Martinez, formerly of Mountlake Terrace, who was employed by the Department of Social and Health Services in Arlington.

According to investigators, Martinez presented fake letters that appeared to be from doctors saying she had malignant brain tumors. Prosecutors wrote that she received $21,000 worth of paid leave and took advantage of sick days donated by co-workers last year.

Randy Hart, a regional administrator for DSHS, said employees decided to donate their sick days because Martinez hadn't been employed long enough to accumulate much leave.

"If this is true, then this will make a lot of people I think feel bad that their generosity was taken advantage of," he said.

Martinez' friends and neighbors also helped out.

"We would pretty much feed her every day because she was too sick to cook, it's what God would have wanted us to do is help somebody if they need help," said Peggy Townsell, who lived next door to Martinez.

But then Townsell found what looked like a doctor's letter on her printer stating that Martinez may only have six months to live.

Prosecutors wrote that Martinez apparently left the letter on the printer after using Townsell's computer.

"If it wouldn't have been printed up on my computer by accident, I would have thought it was for real," Townsell said. "The way she had it typed up, she had the heading from the hospital, she had the doctor's name, the doctor's ID, everything on there."

Townsell called the woman's employer, who referred the case to police.

Arlington Police Chief John Gray said Martinez has moved to another state and won't speak with investigators.

"The state of Washington - the taxpayers - are out their money, and this is unspeakable," Gray said. "We don't have any patience for that so we want to hold this person accountable."