Clearfield County, Pa. Man Gets Prison for Welfare Fraud

HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- 39-year-old Donald F. Bradley, of Curwensville, Clearfield County, was recently ordered to serve 90 days to one year incarceration at the Clearfield County Prison and one year supervised probation for pleading guilty to felony and misdemeanor welfare fraud charges by Clearfield County Court of Common Pleas Judge Paul E. Cherry.

Bradley and his spouse Rebecca T. Bradley, 35, also of Curwensville, illegally received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP), cash assistance, and medical assistance benefits in excess of $41,000, over a several year period.

Cherry sentenced Rebecca to 24 months supervised probation.  In addition, both Donald and Rebecca were ordered to pay full restitution, plus court costs and fines, and were both disqualified from receiving cash assistance benefits for a period of six months and SNAP benefits for a period of 12 months.  

According to Inspector General Michael A. Sprow, "The Office of Inspector General worked very closely with the Clearfield County District Attorney's Office to obtain these convictions.  This is a clear example of the partnership the Office of Inspector General has with District Attorneys across the Commonwealth, and of the commitment of both the OIG and the Clearfield County DA's Office to preserving our precious public resources."     

The following nine individuals were also recently prosecuted for fraudulently receiving public assistance benefits:

• Zakia Adams, 34, of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, received more than $6,900 in subsidized child care benefits.  Adams was sentenced to 24 months probation and was ordered to pay full restitution and court costs.  She was disqualified from receiving subsidized child care benefits for a period of six months. 
• Sherry Beck, 40, of Lancaster, Lancaster County, received more than $2,600 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.  Beck was sentenced to 24 months probation and was ordered to pay full restitution, court costs and fines. She was disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits for a period of 12 months.
• Wanda Brickhouse, 45, of Allentown, Lehigh County, received more than $1,100 in cash assistance benefits.  Brickhouse pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay full restitution, court costs and fines.  She was disqualified from receiving cash assistance benefits for a period of six months. 
• Tanja M. Burgs, 41, of Harrisburg, Dauphin County, received more than $2,400 in SNAP benefits.  Burgs was sentenced to 24 months probation, 40 hours of community service and was ordered to pay full restitution, court costs and fines. She was disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits for a period of 12 months.
• Yesenia De La Cruz, 24, of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, received more than $3,200 in cash assistance and SNAP benefits.  De La Cruz was sentenced to 24 months probation and was ordered to pay full restitution and court costs.  She was disqualified from receiving cash assistance benefits for a period of six months and SNAP benefits for a period of 12 months.
• Haneefah W. Gladden, 36, of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County received more than $5,100 in subsidized child care benefits. Gladden was sentenced to 12 months probation and ordered to pay restitution.  She was disqualified from receiving subsidized child care benefits for a period of six months. 
• Naja K. Hinton, 39, of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, received more than $9,500 in cash assistance benefits.  Hinton pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay full restitution and court costs.  She was disqualified from receiving cash assistance benefits for a period of six months. 
• Lashon M. Roper, 41, of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, received $8,000 in subsidized child care benefits. Roper was sentenced to 24 months probation and was ordered to pay full restitution, court costs and fines.  She was disqualified from receiving subsidized child care benefits for a period of six months.
• Rabrena M. Warner, 29, of New Kensington, Westmoreland County, received more than $7,500 in cash assistance and SNAP benefits.  Warner was sentenced to 36 months probation and was ordered to pay full restitution.  She was disqualified from receiving cash assistance benefits for a period of six months and SNAP benefits for a period of 12 months.

The Office of Inspector General's Bureau of Fraud Prevention and Prosecution is responsible for investigating welfare fraud and conducting collection activities for programs administered by, or contracted through, the Department of Public Welfare (DPW). 

The Office of Inspector General works with DPW's county assistance offices statewide to identify suspected cases of public assistance fraud and with local district attorneys to bring the cases to prosecution. 

Those found guilty of welfare fraud could face a maximum sentence of seven years in prison, fines up to $15,000, mandatory restitution, and program disqualification.

The Office of Inspector General relies on tips from concerned citizens. To report suspected fraud, call the Welfare Fraud Tipline at 1-800-932-0582. Callers may remain anonymous.

Visit the Pennsylvania Office of Inspector General online at www.oig.state.pa.us.

Media contact: James H. Timko, 717-787-6835

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of Inspector General