Newark Woman Arrested for Defrauding WIC Nutrition Program
A 51-year-old Newark woman pleaded guilty to a third-degree charge of receiving stolen property. She admitted to being involved in a conspiracy with a former employee of the City of Newark to steal from the federally funded WIC (Women, Infants and Children) nutrition program through fraudulent vouchers. According to a jacksonnjonline.com article, the state will suggest that the woman be sentenced to a term of probation under her plea agreement. Her sentencing is set for March 3, 2010.
The article also discusses that an ongoing investigation by the Division of Criminal Justice Corruption Bureau determined that between December 1, 2005, and January 31, 2007, over $1 million was to be issued in fake vouchers by the accused individuals. The investigation started when the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services and the Newark Department of Health and Human Services warned the Division of Criminal Justice about suspected voucher thefts from the Newark WIC Program. As a consequence, the former WIC employee was sentenced in 2009 to eight years in state prison for second-degree official misconduct for his part in the scheme.
As this case demonstrates, fraud is a serious crime that can result in harsh punishments. As a white-collar crime, criminal fraud charges can be established against individuals or businesses. Some of the penalties for fraud can vary greatly from large fines and probation, to severe prison terms. Aside from the seriousness of these consequences, the stigma associated with fraud crimes has the potential to taint a person’s reputation or the trustworthiness of a business.
If you are being investigated for fraud, or have been charged with a fraud offense in New Jersey, it may be in your best interest to contact an experienced Princeton, New Jersey fraud lawyer. At Lependorf & Silverstein, our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys will defend your rights to ensure that your reputation is protected. Call us today for a free consultation.
Source article: http://www.jacksonnjonline.com/2010/01/07/nj-woman-arrested-for-defrauding-wic-nutrition-program/
