VIRGINIA BEACH – Nine people are accused of felony welfare fraud in Va. Beach.
The Grand Jury Monday indicted the eight women and one man, who allegedly made false applications for assistance totaling more than $30,000.
One suspect allegedly got more than $11,000.
“Typically, these defendants commit welfare fraud by obtaining more assistance than they are entitled to, often by failing to report a job, or second job, or some other source of income," explained Commonwealth's Attorney spokeswoman Macie Pridgen.
"Some also lie about their marital status, who lives in their home, or the relationship to those living in their home. Often these defendants obtain assistance thousands over what they should be obtaining. When people abuse the system this way, funding is taken from those who are truly in need. I can understand how it is frustrating to taxpayers.”
Pridgen explained possible sentences for welfare fraud convictions:
Knowingly makes any false application for assistance (Perjury): 1-10 years
Fraudulently obtaining welfare assistance-value>= $200: 1-20 years
Failure to notify, change in circumstances-value>=$200: 1-20 years
WELFARE FRAUD SUSPECTS/ALLEGATIONS:
Dana Marie Allsbrook: more than $5,400
Ebony Benita Banks: more than $3,200
Ashley Nicole Beasley: more than $4,000
Mary Felana Jones: more than $11,400
Evelyn Diane Madison: more than $1,800
Larue Jarell Major: more than $1,200
Angela Louise Middleton: more than $1600
Pamela Joyce Nelson: more than $1300
Colby Alyssa Rezk: more than $1,900
