Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig announced the resolution of two unrelated welfare fraud cases last week when Cecilia M. Vega, 27, of Davis; and 28-year-old Elizabeth Alexander of West Sacramento, plead no contest to one count each of welfare fraud.
Prosecutors said that while on public assistance, Vega failed to report her true household income by intentionally withholding income received from her husband’s employer. Vega signed and submitted reports to the Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) knowing they contained false information.
Yolo Superior Court Judge Timothy L. Fall sentenced Vega to five years probation. As part of her plea agreement, Vega also must pay HHSA $7,946.00 in restitution for food stamps (CalFRESH) and cash aid (CalWORKs) benefits illegally received and $276 in fines and fees.
In the second case, Alexander intentionally withheld her income from two separate employers from HHSA, signing and submitting reports to the agency knowing that they contained false information. As a result of the false reports, Alexander received benefits she was not eligible to receive.
Alexander paid HHSA $5,927.00 in restitution for food stamps (CalFRESH) and cash aid (CalWORKs) as part of her plea agreement. Judge Daniel P. Maguire sentenced her to 20 days in county jail, 24 months formal probation, and ordered her to pay $286 in fines and fees.
Both cases were investigated by the Yolo County District Attorney’s Special Investigations Unit, which along with HSSA work to prevent and investigate public assistance fraud, as well as ensure there are funds available to assist those who are truly in need while holding accountable those who attempt to take advantage of the system.
The most common types of welfare fraud occur when individuals receiving public assistance fail to report their true income or they fail to accurately report the number of individuals in the home because it could result in lower public assistance payments.
While government resources are dedicated to determining fraudulent action, the public’s attention to this issue is critical. Should you come across fraudulent activities in the county, the Yolo County District Attorney urges you to contact them toll-free 855-4-YOLO DA or by email at Fraud@yoloda.org. Other consumer protection resources can be found at www.YoloDA.org.