State Inspector General Charges 47 with Felony Public Assistance Fraud in June 2024

Harrisburg, PA - The Office of State Inspector General (OSIG) filed felony public assistance fraud charges against 47 individuals in June of 2024. The restitution owed to the Commonwealth in these cases totals $228,772. Additional cost savings will be realized because the defendants will be temporarily disqualified 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," said 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 investigates and prosecutes public assistance fraud and conducts collection activities for the public benefits programs administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS).

"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," said DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. "Our strong partnership with OSIG is integral to maintaining the responsible stewardship of these essential programs."

It is alleged that the 47 individuals charged either trafficked their public assistance or misrepresented their household circumstances and fraudulently received taxpayer-funded public benefits to which they were not entitled. If convicted, the maximum penalty defendants face for public assistance fraud is seven years in prison and a fine of $15,000. In the case of SNAP, Cash Assistance, or Subsidized Day Care fraud, defendants also face a mandatory disqualification period from the benefits program they allegedly defrauded.

All persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

OSIG works in close coordination with DHS, which administers Pennsylvania's public assistance programs, to investigate referrals made by DHS for potential fraud or abuse of programs. Referrals come through concerns flagged through applications and questionable use of benefits observed by DHS or from tips made by the public. Anonymously report suspected public assistance fraud on the OSIG website or call the Public Assistance Fraud Tipline: 1-800-932-0582.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jonathan P. Hendrickson - 717-265-8396

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