HARRISBURG, Pa. – A 31-year-old Big Run woman was sentenced up to two years in prison for felony welfare fraud.
President Judge John H. Foradora ordered Kristen M. Woods, 31, of Big Run, Jefferson County, incarcerated at the State Correctional Institution-Muncy.
Woods pleaded guilty to felony welfare fraud charges. She illegally received SNAP benefits in excess of $4,700.00.
Judge Foradora sentenced Woods to a minimum of one year to a maximum of two years. In addition, Woods was ordered to pay full restitution, court costs, fees, and a fine. Woods was disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits for a period of 12 months.
A York County individual was also sentenced to prison for welfare fraud.
Lamobow Drummond, 46, of York, York County, was ordered incarcerated at the York County Prison by Judge Michael E. Bortner after pleading guilty to misdemeanor welfare fraud charges.
Drummond illegally received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in excess of $1,550.
Judge Bortner sentenced Drummond to a minimum of six months to a maximum of 23 months. In addition, Drummond was ordered to pay full restitution, court costs, and fees. Drummond was disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits for a period of 12 months.
The following seven individuals were also recently prosecuted for fraudulently receiving public assistance benefits, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) announced yesterday:
Lisa K. Donahue, 39, of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, received more than $2,150 in cash assistance and SNAP benefits. Donahue pleaded guilty, was sentenced to one year 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.
Vicci F. Ferrell, 48, of Harrisburg, Dauphin County, received more than $2,400 in SNAP benefits. Ferrell pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 18 months probation, and was ordered to pay full restitution. She was disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits for a period of 24 months.
Rebecca A. Ibarra, 31, of Everett, Bedford County, received more than $4,250 in cash assistance and SNAP benefits. Ibarra 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 cash assistance benefits for a period of six months and SNAP benefits for a period of 12 months.
Tara L. Kimmell, 53, of Hiller, Fayette County, received more than $1,000 in SNAP benefits. Kimmell pleaded nolo contendere, was sentenced to one year 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.
Cynthia L. Lopez, 35, of York, York County, received more than $16,000 in cash assistance and SNAP benefits. Lopez 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.
Toy D. Nixon-McCray, 32, of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, received more than $5,900 in cash assistance and SNAP benefits. Nixon-McCray pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 30 months probation, and was ordered to pay full restitution, and court costs. She was disqualified from receiving cash assistance benefits for a period of six months and SNAP benefits for a period of 12 months.
Tracy L. Peters, 35, of Mifflin, Juniata County, received more than $3,850 in SNAP and Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) benefits. Peters pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 12 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.
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.
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