Pennsylvania Office of Inspector General Announces Welfare Fraud Adjudications

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 30, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Thirteen Pennsylvania residents recently pleaded guilty to welfare fraud and were sentenced for their crimes, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) announced today.

"Public assistance funds must be preserved for those who are truly eligible," said Inspector General Michael Sprow. "We cannot tolerate those individuals who lie and cheat to obtain public assistance benefits for which they do not qualify.''

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

• Audra A. Andrus, 46, of McSherrystown, Adams County, received more than $2,650 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.  Andrus 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.
• Shelby L. Cool, 22, of New Oxford, Adams County, received more than $3,150 in SNAP benefits.  Cool pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 36 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.
• Michelle L. Harris, 28, of Waynesboro, Franklin County, received more than $2,200 in SNAP benefits.  Harris pleaded guilty, was sentenced to six months probation, 25 hours of community service, and was ordered to pay full restitution, court costs, and fees.  She was disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits for a period of 12 months.
• Anita Holland, 59, of Lititz, Lancaster County, received more than $1,250 in SNAP benefits.  Holland pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay restitution, court costs, and fees.  She was disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits for a period of 12 months.
• Ernest Jackson, 54, of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, received more than $43,300 in cash assistance, medical assistance, and SNAP benefits.  Jackson pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 11 to 23 months house arrest, five years probation, and was ordered to pay full restitution, court costs, and fees.  He was disqualified from receiving cash assistance benefits for a period of six months, and SNAP benefits for a period of 12 months.
• Ann M. Jaquez, 29, of Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, received more than $4,450 in Subsidized Day Care (SDC) benefits.  Jaquez pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 12 months probation, and was ordered to pay full restitution, costs, and fees.  She was disqualified from receiving SDC benefits for a period of six months.
• Carla J. Kump, 39, of Langeloth, Washington County, formerly of Adams County, received more than $1,250 in SNAP benefits.  Kump pleaded guilty, was sentenced in Adams County to six 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.
• Tracy B. Kyle, 24, Titusville, Crawford County, received more than $2,000 in SNAP benefits.  Kyle 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.
• Betty M. Lane, 53, of Dover, York County, received more than $1,950 in SNAP benefits.  Lane 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.
• Glenda L. Santos, 39, of Lancaster, Lancaster County, received more than $3,650 in SNAP benefits.  Santos pleaded guilty, was sentenced to three years 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.
• Nicole L. Vuocolo, 39, of Jersey Shore, Lycoming County, received more than $3,350 in SNAP benefits.  Vuocolo pleaded guilty, was sentenced to six 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.
• Anthony R. Wiatrowski, 23, of New Oxford, Adams County, received more than $3,150 in SNAP benefits.  Wiatrowski pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 24 months probation, and was ordered to pay full restitution, court costs, fees, and fines.  He was disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits for a period of 12 months.
• Jacqueline Wright, 43, of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, received more than $2,150 in cash assistance, and SNAP benefits.  Wright pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 12 months, and was ordered to pay 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