Note: State and federal laws prohibit identifying and naming these persons.
A woman who was a resident of
Orange County moved to another state. Before she left, she signed up for child care assistance, AFDC and food stamps. She used her brothers address in Orange County while living out of state. She continued to collect the cash benefits provided by the above mentioned programs in Orange County. She pleaded guilty and was placed on probation, served nine months in jail, and was ordered to pay back what she fraudulently received.
In another case, a defendant and his wife owned and operated a sales business and listed the business in a friends name. All of the paperwork associated with the business was listed in the friends name so that the defendant and his wife could continue to collect welfare benefits, food stamps and medical benefits for their large family. The defendant and his wife failed to report the business checking accounts as assets in which the defendant was a signatory. The defendant admitted he was owner of the business when an undercover officer was negotiating to buy goods from him. Other business records were found at the defendants residence. The defendant, his wife, and the friend were all charged with welfare fraud and conspiracy. They pleaded guilty and were required to make restitution in the amount of almost $40,000.
