Latest Legal News from the Criminal Courts of Los Angeles, California and the U.S.

June 05, 2009

Accused Welfare Cheats Targeted in Joint Agency Arrest Sweep

LOS ANGELES – District Attorney’s investigators along with agents from state and federal agencies fanned out throughout Los Angeles County today with arrest warrants for nearly two dozen people accused of bilking taxpayers out of more than $2.3 million in phony public assistance benefits.

“Again we see the truly needy deprived of benefits by the truly greedy,” said District Attorney Steve Cooley, who’s Welfare Fraud Division will prosecute the defendants named in 13 felony complaints for arrest warrants.

“The perilous financial situation facing so many of our citizens who are losing jobs and homes illustrates the need for assistance. These cheats steal from the very programs that might help someone survive through tough economic times,” Cooley said.

Philip L. Browning, head of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), added, "This investigation and resulting arrests are an excellent example of the joint effort of the DA, the State and DPSS working collaboratively to prosecute those who abuse the services we provide. Program integrity continues to be a cornerstone of the administration of public welfare in this County."

David Butler, Special Agent in Charge, Los Angeles Field Division, Office of the Inspector General, Social Security Administration, said, "These fraud sweeps show the effectiveness of a multi-agency approach in aggressively pursuing those individuals that are stealing money not only from the taxpayer, but money intended for those that are in the most need."

So far, 16 of the 23 defendants being sought have been arrested by investigators. One surrendered and has been arraigned.

Arraignments of those arrested today could begin as early as tomorrow in Los Angeles Superior Court Division 30 in the downtown Criminal Justice Center. Recommended bail for the defendants, who residences spread from Palmdale to Torrance, range from a low of $20,000 to $398,000. All face possible state prison terms if convicted.

The investigation involved the District Attorney’s office, the DPSS, the California Department of Health Care Services and the Social Security Office of Inspector General.

The bulk of the targeted and charged fraud involved In Home Supportive Services (IHSS), but also included welfare, Social Security and Section 8 housing payments and benefits. The felony charges filed against the defendants alleged the crimes in the 11 criminal complaints variously occurred between 1999 and this year.

Arrested today were:

Susie Claborn, 73, of Pacoima, accused in BA357003 with grand theft, identity theft and forgery. Authorities said she used two identifications – including one of a person who was incarcerated -- to bill IHSS for more than $116,000.

Saleshni and Shailendra Prasad, both 42, of Downey. The married couple was charged in BA356907 with operating a limousine business while receiving more than $68,000 in MediCal and Welfare benefits.

Vicke Miles, 55, and Wali Ansaar, 39, a Palmdale couple charged in BA357035 with bilking IHSS of more than $81,000; Social Security of $36,000; and Section 8 housing of $98,000. It was alleged Ansaar used a dead person’s identification to collect Section 8 funds for renting his home to his own wife.

Lucy Trevino, 64, of Monrovia, charged in BA357057 with bilking IHSS out of $20,000.
Nesreen Megrisi, 28, and Ferial Broyles, 50, of Lancaster, charged in BA355775 with bilking IHSS and Social Security of at least $110,000 by using multiple identities. They also are charged with welfare fraud.

Tiffany Darby, 33, and Anthony Hensley, 42, of Palmdale, charged in BA357014 with multiple counts of grand theft and welfare fraud for allegedly bilking the taxpayers out of more than $190,000 Authorities said 3.5 pounds of marijuana and scales, along with cash, also were recovered when a warrant was served at their residence.

Shanta Brown, 34, and her mother, Carolyn Jeter, 50, of Lancaster, charged in BA357017 with stealing $298,000 through welfare fraud. Authorities said that based on false employment, Jeter was paid to provide care to her grandchildren. She listed her public housing address as her place of residence, she said.

Nicole Goods, 31, and Arnice Green, 51, of Lancaster, charged in BA356498 with public assistance fraud of $278,000.

Tamara Castle, 35, of Lancaster, accused in BA356492 with grand theft for allegedly falsely stating she was employed by a limousine company to qualify for child care subsidies that cost taxpayers $75,000.

LaBaba Day, 34, of Lancaster, who with three co-defendants – also from Lancaster – is charged in BA357081 with conspiracy, grand theft and other crimes in fraud that resulted in a more than $150,000 loss.

Defendant La Shon Strong, 44, of Pasadena, surrendered yesterday and was arraigned today on case BA357166, which alleges a $16,000 IHSS fraud.

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CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER

JOSEPH SHEMARIA

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Latest Legal News from the Criminal Courts of Los Angeles, California and the U.S.