FREMONT — Two Clyde women were indicted on charges of Medicaid fraud last week.
Samantha Moore and Stacey Slone, both of Clyde, along with Ashley Rando, of Fremont are currently facing charges in three separate cases, according to a release from the Sandusky County Department of Job and Family Services.
The three women were all SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, and Medicaid recipients and were indicted by the Sandusky County Grand Jury on charges of theft, tampering with records and Medicaid eligibility fraud.
The charges, pursued by the Sandusky County Department of Job and Family Services, resulted from investigations conducted by the department after fraud complaints were received, according to the release.
In all three cases, the father of a child or children receiving Medicaid and SNAP benefits was residing in the home and was not absent, as had been reported to the agency. Erroneous benefits were received because they had been determined based upon the falsely reported household composition and income, according to the release.
“The agency prosecutes individuals with high dollar overpayments to facilitate collection of overpayments,” Family and Individual Services Administrator Christie Harper said. “We recognize the seriousness of these offenses. Welfare fraud is a crime; these individuals are being charged with felonies.
“It is important that taxpayer dollars be spent on individuals and families who are eligible for the benefits they receive.
The alleged overpayment amounts for all three women indicted exceed $11,000 in combined SNAP and Medicaid benefits. All three were arraigned on Jan. 7.
To report suspected fraud, call the agency at 419-334-3891. Fraud may also be reported at www.jfs.ohio.gov/fraud.
