HARRISBURG, Pa. – Twelve Pennsylvania residents recently pleaded guilty to welfare fraud and were sentenced for their crimes, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) announced recently.
The following individuals were prosecuted for fraudulently receiving public assistance benefits:
Lisa M. Aponte, 39, of Carlisle, Cumberland County, received more than $5,700 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Aponte pleaded guilty, was sentenced to two years probation, and was ordered to pay restitution, court costs, and fees. She was disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits for a period of 12 months.
Eric E. Deal, 52, of East Butler, Butler County, received more than $1,500 in SNAP benefits. Deal pleaded guilty, was sentenced to one year probation, and was ordered to pay full restitution, costs, fees, and fines. He was disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits for a period of 12 months.
Twilla M. Estright, 37, of Reading, Berks County, received more than $1,300 in SNAP benefits. Estright pleaded guilty, was sentenced to one year probation, and was ordered to pay full restitution, court costs, and fines. She was disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits for a period of 12 months.
Heather A. Gibb, 37, of McKeesport, Allegheny County, received more than $2,600 in SNAP benefits. Gibb 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.
Amanda N. Grey, 29, of Meadville, Crawford County, received more than $1,150 in SNAP benefits. Grey pleaded guilty, was sentenced to one year probation, and was ordered to pay restitution, court costs, fees, and fines. She was disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits for a period of 12 months.
Dawn M. Lightner, 39, of Loysville, Perry County, received more than $1,500 in SNAP benefits. Lightner pleaded guilty, was sentenced to one year probation, and was ordered to pay restitution, court costs, and fees. She was disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits for a period of 12 months.
Richard J. Malack, 50, of Beaver Falls, Beaver County, received more than $1,150 in SNAP benefits. Malack pleaded guilty, was sentenced to two years probation, and was ordered to pay restitution, court costs, fees, and fines. He was disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits for a period of 12 months.
Ebonee McLaughlin, 39, of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, received more than $26,500 in Subsidized Day Care (SDC). McLaughlin pleaded guilty, was sentenced by Judge Anthony M. Mariani, to five years probation, and was ordered to pay restitution, court costs, and fees. She was disqualified from receiving SDC benefits for a period of six months.
Alysia A. Raser, 27, of Reading, Berks County, received more than $14,900 in cash, medical assistance, and SNAP benefits. Raser pleaded guilty, was sentenced by Judge Scott D. Keller to five years probation, and was ordered to pay 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.
Stacie C. Senard, 45, of Brookville, Jefferson County, received more than $5,200 in medical assistance and SNAP benefits. Senard pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 60 months probation, and was ordered to pay restitution, court costs, fees, and fines. She was disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits for a period of 24 months. This is Senard’s second disqualification for fraudulently receiving SNAP benefits. In 1995, she was disqualified for a period of six months. A third conviction would result in Senard being permanently disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits.
Barnaby J. Turber, 36, of Sunbury, Northumberland County, received more than $1,150 in SNAP benefits. Turber pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 18 months probation, and was ordered to pay restitution, court costs, fees, and fines. He was disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits for a period of 12 months.
Jessica Vega, 30, of Reading, Berks County, received more than $5,800 in SNAP benefits. Vega pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 2 years probation, 80 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.
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 Human Services (DHS).
The Office of Inspector General works with DHS’ 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, or 1-844-DHS-TIPS. Callers may remain anonymous.
Visit the Pennsylvania Office of Inspector General online at www.oig.state.pa.us.
