Human Services welfare fraud case submitted to the District Attorney’s Office for prosecution
The Mesa County Department of Human Services (MCDHS) Fraud and Recovery Unit recently sent a case of suspected public assistance fraud to the Mesa County District Attorney’s Office.
Mesa County Welfare Fraud Investigators allege during the timeframe of July 2020 through May 2025, a defendant obtained over $65,000 in SNAP, Colorado Works, and Medicaid benefits she was not eligible to receive. The subject was arraigned in court on Thursday, March 19th with the following charges:
Mesa County Court Case Number 2026CR219
- Theft (Class 4 Felony)
- Attempting to Influence a Public Servant (Class 4 Felony)
- Offering False Instrument/Recording (Class 5 Felony)
- Forgery - Government Issued Document (Class 5 Felony)
- Perjury in the second degree (Class 2 Misdemeanor)
- Fraudulent Acts
The total recovery for the combination of fraudulently obtained public assistance benefits and administrative costs of the investigation totaled $83,544.84.
Committing Public Assistance and/or Medical Assistance fraud is taken very seriously by the State and Federal government. These Public Assistance benefits are available to those who are eligible for the programs and in need of the assistance. When it is suspected that someone has fraudulently received Public Assistance or Medical Assistance benefits, the Department of Human Services Investigations team will initiate an investigation and, if appropriate, submit the investigation to the District Attorney’s office for criminal prosecution.
“MCDHS has a zero tolerance for public assistance fraud,” said Executive Director Jill Calvert. “These benefits are in place for individuals and families in our community who truly need them. Our Fraud and Recovery team works hard to ensure public assistance benefits are accessed and utilized properly and we are very proud of their diligence in this particular case.”
If you or someone you know suspects welfare fraud, please call the Mesa County Department of Human Services Welfare Fraud Hotline at (970) 256-2421.
