FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – An ex-Madera County employee was arrested on Friday after she was caught stealing CalFresh benefits from residents for more than four years, according to the federal Department of Justice.
Federal prosecutors say 55-year-old Leticia Mariscal from Madera was arrested following allegations that she stole tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of other people’s CalFresh benefits. The Madera County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to YourCentralValley.com that their deputies assisted the FBI in arresting Leticia Mariscal and serving a search warrant at a home in Madera.
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According to court documents, Mariscal used Madera County databases that she had access to due to her employment to obtain information on either dead or elderly individuals. She then approved those people to receive CalFresh benefits, printed EBT cards in their names, and then spent the proceeds.
Federal officials say Mariscal used the identities of over 15 people to steal benefits. In total, around $40,000 worth was taken. She was placed on leave by Madera County when the scheme was discovered…