HARRISBURG, PA — In a crackdown on public assistance fraud, the Office of State Inspector General (OSIG) has filed felony charges against 47 individuals. The allegations involve fraudulent activities resulting in a total restitution of $228,772 owed to the Commonwealth. Additionally, the accused will face temporary disqualification from receiving public benefits in the programs they allegedly defrauded.
“These charges highlight OSIG’s ongoing commitment to identifying and prosecuting fraudulent activities, ensuring that resources reach those genuinely in need,” stated State Inspector General Lucas M. Miller. “Maintaining the integrity of our assistance programs is paramount, and our dedication to this work is vital in preserving public trust.”
OSIG is tasked with investigating and prosecuting public assistance fraud and oversees collection activities for benefits programs administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS).
DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh emphasized the importance of collaboration in these efforts. “The Shapiro Administration remains vigilant to deter, detect, and refer suspected public assistance fraud to OSIG. Pennsylvania’s public assistance programs are a lifeline for people in difficult situations, and DHS works diligently to ensure the benefits we administer remain available to those who deserve them. Our strong partnership with OSIG is integral to maintaining the responsible stewardship of these essential programs.”
The 47 individuals charged are alleged to have either trafficked their public assistance or misrepresented their household circumstances to fraudulently obtain taxpayer-funded benefits. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine for public assistance fraud. Those involved in SNAP, Cash Assistance, or Subsidized Day Care fraud also face mandatory disqualification periods from the benefits programs they allegedly defrauded.
All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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