Bronzed NJ mom inspires 'tanorexic' action figure

[May 09, 2012]  OXFORD, Conn. (AP) -- A Connecticut novelty company is selling a "tanorexic" action figure based on a deeply tanned New Jersey mother accused of causing skin burns to her young daughter in a tanning booth.

Patricia Krentcil has said she loves tanning but wouldn't -- and didn't -- take her then-5-year-old into a tanning booth. Krentcil pleaded not guilty last week to a child endangerment charge. She says her daughter got sunburned outdoors.

The president of Oxford-based HeroBuilders says everyone has friends into heavy tanning. Emil Vicale says, "We thought it was a funny thing to do."

The blonde, orange-faced doll in a black pantsuit costs $29.95.

A phone number for Krentcil in Nutley rang unanswered Tuesday night. Her attorney didn't return an after-hours message.

[Associated Press]

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