Over 100 charged with public assistance fraud in Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — More than 100 individuals have been charged with public assistance fraud in Pennsylvania in July and August.

The Office of the State Inspector General said they filed fraud charges against 103 people over the two months.

Restitution owed to the Commonwealth in the cases totals $680,303. Officials said cost savings will also be realized as the defendants will be temporarily disqualified from receiving public benefits in the programs they’re accused of defrauding.

“Each of these charges is a reminder of our responsibility to protect the integrity of the Commonwealth’s resources,” State Inspector General Lucas M. Miller said. “We remain vigilant in our efforts to ensure that public assistance benefits are used as intended—to support those who are truly in need. I am proud that the funds recovered will be returned to help individuals across Pennsylvania.”

The office investigates and prosecutes public assistance fraud and conducts collections for the public benefits programs administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

“The Shapiro Administration is committed to protecting Pennsylvania’s public assistance programs, which are a lifeline for people in difficult situations. DHS works diligently to ensure the benefits we administer remain available to those who deserve them, and we are proud to partner with OSIG every day to refer suspected public assistance fraud and maintain the responsible stewardship of these essential programs,” DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh said.

Of the 103 people charged, 102 are facing felony charges and one a misdemeanor charge, officials added. It’s alleged that these people either sold their assistance to others or misrepresented their circumstances to receive taxpayer-funded benefits.

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If convicted, the maximum penalty defendants face for public assistance fraud is seven years in prison and a fine of $15,000. In the case of SNAP, Cash Assistance, or Subsidized Day Care fraud, defendants also face a mandatory disqualification period from the benefits program they allegedly defrauded.

All persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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