Woman running for Congress charged with scamming

A Wisconsin woman running to replace Democratic US Rep. Ron Kind has been charged with scamming a jewelry store in New York City.

Thirty-six-year-old Juliet Germanotta was charged with grand larceny Wednesday. Investigators say Germanotta bought a ring online from Manhattans Diamond District worth $4,800 then returned a fake ring for a full refund from the jeweler.

Germanotta told the New York Post on Thursday she acknowledges sending back a fake ring, blaming the decision on personal issues clouding her judgment. She contends the charges are a misunderstanding. She is due back in court April 2.

Germanotta, who lives in La Crosse, Wisconsin, says she is running in the Democratic primary against the incumbent Kind.