Welfare Fraud Case Submitted to DA’s Office for Prosecution

Mesa County Welfare Fraud Investigators allege during the timeframe of December, 2016 through August, 2023, two co‐defendants obtained over $100,000 in public assistance benefits they were not eligible to receive. The subjects were arraigned in court on Friday, August 9, 2024 and August 16, 2024 with the following charges combined:

Mesa County Court Case Numbers 2024CR581:

Theft 18‐4‐401(1),(2)(i) Class 3 Felony
Attempting to Influence a Public Servant 18‐8‐306 Class 4 Felony

Mesa County Court Case Number 2024CR579:

Theft 18‐4‐401(1),(2)(i) Class 3 Felony
Forgery ‐ Government Issued Document 18‐5‐102(1)(e) Class 5 Felony
Attempting to Influence a Public Servant 18‐8‐306 Class 4 Felony
Perjury in the second degree 18‐8‐503 Class 1 Misdemeanor
Fraudulent acts 26‐1‐127(2)(a) Class 3 Misdemeanor

The total recovery for the combination of fraudulently obtained public assistance benefits and administrative costs of the investigation totaled to $112,500.63

Committing Public Assistance and/or Medical Assistance fraud is taken very seriously by the State and Federal government. These Public Assistance benefits are available to those who are eligible for the programs and in need of the assistance. When it is suspected that someone has fraudulently received Public Assistance or Medical Assistance benefits, the Department of Human Services Investigations team will initiate an investigation and, if appropriate, submit the investigation to the District Attorney’s office for criminal prosecution.

“MCDHS has a zero tolerance for public assistance fraud,” said Executive Director Jill Calvert. “These benefits are in place for individuals and families in our community who truly need them. Our Fraud and Recovery team works hard to ensure public assistance benefits are accessed and utilized properly and we are very proud of their diligence in this particular case.”

If you or someone you know suspects welfare fraud, please call the Mesa County Department of Human Services Welfare Fraud Hotline at (970) 256‐2421.