Pennsylvania Office of Inspector General Announces Welfare Fraud Adjudications

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 19, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Six Pennsylvania residents recently pleaded guilty to welfare fraud and were sentenced for their crimes, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) announced today.

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

• Lizabeth A. Armstrong, 48, of Williamsport, Lycoming County, received more than $1,550 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Armstrong 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.
• Shelby R. Cleland, 42, of Shermans Dale, Perry County, received more than $5,100 in SNAP benefits. Cleland pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 24 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.
• Rachel L. Daugherty, 40, of Lancaster, Lancaster County, received more than $3,100 in SNAP benefits. Daugherty pleaded guilty, was ordered to pay full restitution, court costs, and fees. She was disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits for a period of 12 months.
• Tracey A. McLean, 46, of Terre Hill, Lancaster County, received more than $4,900 in SNAP benefits. McLean pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 36 months probation, and was ordered to pay restitution, court costs, and fees. She was disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits for a period of 12 months.
• Nazlah T. Moore, 34, of Williamsport, Lycoming County, received more than $2,200 in SNAP benefits. Moore pleaded guilty, was sentenced to two years probation, 50 hours of community service, 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.
• John M. Pettigrew, 23, of Apollo, Armstrong County, received more than $1,650 in cash assistance benefits. Pettigrew pleaded guilty, was sentenced to two years probation, 30 hours of community service, and was ordered to pay full restitution, costs, fees, 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 (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