Office of Inspector General Announces October Welfare Fraud Adjudications

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Nine Pennsylvania residents pleaded guilty to welfare fraud and/or were sentenced for their crimes during October, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) announced today.

"Finding and prosecuting cases of welfare fraud is one of our highest priorities," Inspector General Kenya Mann Faulkner said. "Every dime lost to fraud means there is one less dime available to help needy individuals who are truly eligible for public assistance."

The following individuals were prosecuted and sentenced for fraudulently receiving public assistance benefits:

• Anthony Alexander Sr., 25, of Bethlehem, Northampton County, received more than $3,450 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Alexander was sentenced to 12 months probation and was ordered to pay full restitution, costs, and fines.
• Yanna M. Ballard, 37, of Willow Grove, Montgomery County, formerly of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, received $12,000 in cash assistance and SNAP benefits. Ballard was sentenced to 5 years probation and was ordered to pay full restitution.
• Jerry D. Causer, 46, of Kane, McKean County, and Rochelle L. Causer, 29, of Kane, McKean County, formerly of Smethport, McKean County, received more than $5,550 in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and SNAP benefits. Both were sentenced to 23.5 months probation, 30 hours of community service, and were ordered to pay full restitution and costs.
• Laurie A. Clark, 41, of Ronco, Fayette County, received more than $4,650 in cash assistance and SNAP benefits. Clark was sentenced to 5 years probation and was ordered to pay full restitution.
• Richard A. Imhof Jr., 34, of St. Mary's, Elk County, received more than $5,300 in cash assistance and SNAP benefits. Imhof was sentenced to 7 years probation and was ordered to pay full restitution.
• Rashell L. Ruby, 22, of Lewistown, Mifflin County, received more than $500 in SNAP benefits. Ruby was sentenced to 12 months probation and was ordered to pay full restitution, costs, and fines.
• Joseph V. Selitto III, 31, of Easton, Northampton County, received more than $8,500 in SNAP benefits. Selitto was sentenced to 60 months probation and was ordered to pay full restitution and costs.
• Vickie L. Strong, 55, of Harrisburg, Dauphin County, received more than $1,450 in SNAP benefits. Strong was sentenced to 24 months probation and was ordered to pay full restitution, costs, and fines.

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.  

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

Anyone 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: Richard S. Delia, 717-787-6835

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of Inspector General