Montgomery County Man Receives Prison Sentence For Welfare Fraud

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 14, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Gerald Johnson, 47 of Norristown, Montgomery County, was ordered incarcerated at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility by Judge William T. Nicholas after pleading guilty to felony welfare fraud charges.  Johnson illegally received Subsidized Day Care (SDC) benefits in excess of $3,600.

Judge Nicholas sentenced Johnson to a minimum of 339 days, and a maximum of 23 months incarceration. In addition, Johnson received two years probation to run consecutively to confinement, and was ordered to pay full restitution, court costs, fees, and fines. Johnson was disqualified from receiving SDC benefits for a period of six months.  

The following nine individuals were also recently prosecuted for fraudulently receiving public assistance benefits, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) announced today:

• Lakisha S. Aytch, 34, of York, York County, received more than $2,450 in cash assistance benefits. Aytch pleaded guilty, was sentenced to three years probation, and was ordered to pay full restitution, court costs, and fees. She was disqualified from receiving cash assistance benefits for a period of six months.
• Nicole R. Fox, 29, of Chambersburg, Franklin County, received more than $5,750 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Fox pleaded guilty, was sentenced to three years probation, and was ordered to pay full restitution, court costs, and fees. She was disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits for a period of 12 months.
• Quashima S. Gibson, 31, of Easton, Northampton County, received more than $6,100 in cash assistance and SNAP benefits. Gibson pleaded guilty, was sentenced to five years probation, and was ordered to pay full restitution, court costs, and fees. She was disqualified from receiving cash assistance benefits for a period of six months and SNAP benefits for a period of 12 months.
• Iva J. Majetic, 48, of Aliquippa, Beaver County, received more than $14,450 in cash assistance and SNAP benefits. Majetic pleaded guilty, was sentenced to five years probation, and was ordered to pay full restitution, court costs, fees, and fines. She was disqualified from receiving cash assistance benefits for a period of six months and SNAP benefits for a period of 12 months.
• Tammy L. Starke, 31, of Jamestown, Crawford County, received more than $3,850 in medical assistance and SNAP benefits. Starke pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 12 months probation, and was ordered to pay full restitution, court costs, fees, and fines. She was disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits for a period of 12 months.
• Sandra P. Thompson, 44, of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, received more than $3,150 in SNAP benefits. Thompson pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 18 months probation, and was ordered to pay full restitution, court costs, and fees. She was disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits for a period of 12 months.
• Cheryl L. Welker, 25, of Atglen, Chester County, received more than $14,750 in medical assistance and SNAP benefits. Welker pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 24 months probation, and was ordered to pay full restitution, court costs, fees, and fines. She was disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits for a period of 12 months.
• Reginee L. Whitehead, 26, of Hermitage, Mercer County, received more than $1,400 in cash assistance and SNAP benefits. Whitehead pleaded guilty, was sentenced to two years probation, and was ordered to pay full restitution, court costs, and fees. She was disqualified from receiving cash assistance benefits for a period of six months and SNAP benefits for a period of 12 months.

The Office of Inspector General's Bureau of Fraud Prevention and Prosecution is responsible for investigating welfare fraud and conducting collection activities for programs administered by, or contracted through, the Department of Public Welfare (DPW). 

The Office of Inspector General works with DPW's county assistance offices statewide to identify suspected cases of public assistance fraud and with local district attorneys to bring the cases to prosecution. 

Those found guilty of welfare fraud could face a maximum sentence of seven years in prison, fines up to $15,000, mandatory restitution, and program disqualification.

The Office of Inspector General also relies on tips from concerned citizens. To report suspected fraud, call the Welfare Fraud Tipline at 1-800-932-0582. Callers may remain anonymous.

Visit the Pennsylvania Office of Inspector General online at www.oig.state.pa.us.

Media contact: James H. Timko, 717-787-6835

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of Inspector General