Defendant pleads guilty to felony theft in public assistance fraud case

A defendant has pleaded guilty to a Class 3 Felony Theft charge in connection with a public assistance fraud case involving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medical Assistance benefits.

The investigation conducted by the Mesa County Department of Human Services (MCDHS) Fraud & Recovery Team found that the defendant failed to report her spouse and his income after marrying the day before submitting an application for public assistance benefits. From Dec. 2016 through Aug. 2023, the household continued receiving benefits while omitting required information about marital status and income.

Records obtained during the investigation showed the defendant owned multiple properties in Colorado and Wyoming. There were also significant deposits moving through several bank accounts that were not reported during the eligibility process.

Evidence presented in court demonstrated the household was not financially eligible for the SNAP and Medical Assistance benefits received during that period.  

On Monday, the defendant entered a guilty plea. At the sentencing hearing, she paid full restitution totaling just under $65,000. As part of the sentence, the defendant must also complete 48 hours of useful public service each year for the next three years and will be disqualified from Colorado Works and SNAP programs for 30 months.

Public assistance programs are designed to support individuals and families experiencing financial hardship. Safeguarding the integrity of these programs helps ensure resources remain available to residents who legitimately qualify and rely on them for essential support.

Investigations and prosecutions of fraud cases play an important role in protecting taxpayer-funded programs and maintaining accountability within public benefit systems