New Jersey tanning mom inspires action figure

The overly tan New Jersey mom accused of taking her young daughter tanning has inspired an action figure.

The $29.95 "Tanorexic" mom doll is available from HeroBuilders.com, the custom doll retailer behind the Michaele Salahi action figure, Anthony Weiner doll and other attention-grabbing toys.

Patricia Krentcil, the real "tanning mom," pleaded not guilty to child endangerment charges last week. She was arrested late last month in Nutley, N.J., after police were called to her 5-year-old daughter's school.

Krentcil claims she took her daughter with her to the salon but that her daughter never entered a tanning booth.

"I tan, she doesn't tan," the 44-year-old Krentcil said. "I'm in the booth, she's in the room. That's all there is to it."

New Jersey state law prohibits children under the age of 14 from tanning booths. Children between the ages of 14 and 17 must be accompanied by an adult.

Police were alerted by school officials, who say Krentcil's daughter showed up for school with what appeared to be a sunburn, then told classmates she "went tanning with Mommy."

Rich Krentcil, the girl's father, told NBC the teacher misinterpreted his daughter.

"This whole big thing happened, and everyone got involved," he said. "It was 85 degrees outside, she got sunburned. That's it. That's all that happened."

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