A York man will serve prison time after pleading guilty to misdemeanor welfare fraud charges. York County Court of Common Pleas Judge Michael Bortner sentenced Lamobo Drummond, 46, to a minimum of six months to a maximum of 23 months in prison. He also ordered Drummond to pay full restitution, court costs and fees. In addition Drummond is disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits for a year.
Three area individuals were also recently prosecuted for fraudulently receiving public assistance benefits, the Office of Inspector General announced today:
- Vicci F. Ferrell, 48, of Harrisburg, Dauphin County, received more than $2,400 in SNAP benefits. Ferrell pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 18 months probation, and was ordered to pay full restitution. She was disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits for a period of 24 months.
- Cynthia L. Lopez, 35, of York, York County, received more than $16,000 in cash assistance and SNAP benefits. Lopez pleaded guilty, was sentenced to five years probation, and was ordered to pay full restitution, court costs, and fees. She was disqualified from receiving cash assistance benefits for a period of six months and SNAP benefits for a period of 12 months.
- Tracy L. Peters, 35, of Mifflin, Juniata County, received more than $3,850 in SNAP and Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) benefits. Peters pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 12 months probation, and was ordered to pay full restitution, court costs, and fees. She was disqualified from receiving 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.
