State inspector general announces charges for nearly $890,000 in welfare fraud
Through the first three months of the year, the Office of State Inspector General charged 178 individuals for more than $886,000 in alleged welfare fraud, including four locally.
Shanta Key of Washington was charged for nearly $3,700 in SNAP fraud. Patricia Arlott of Belle Vernon was charged for more than $8,500 in SNAP fraud. Cynthia Place of Brownsville was charged for more than $9,000 in SNAP fraud. Harlie Allison-Mille of Perryopolis was charged for more than $3,700 in medical assistance fraud.
“Our office remains vigilant to protect the integrity of our vital public assistance programs,” said State Inspector General Bruce R. Beemer. “We are proud to work with our partners in law enforcement across the commonwealth to help those in need and stop those who cheat.”
According to Beemer’s office, the charges are graded as third-degree felonies, and carry a maximum penalty of 7 years in prison, a fine of $15,000 and a mandatory disqualification period from the programs they are accused of defrauding.