14 arrested, 4 surrender in Tulare welfare fraud investigation

A total of 18 people have been arrested or surrendered themselves after warrants went out during a sweeping welfare fraud investigation from April 2 to April 9, the Tulare County District Attorney said.

Four people surrendered themselves, and 14 people were arrested for a combined total of suspected fraud of $110,573, the DA said.

“Taxpayers work hard, and they should have the utmost confidence that their tax dollars are being spent with accountability,” said District Attorney Tim Ward. “Through vigorous investigation and prosecution of fraud, our office can keep that confidence strong and make sure those who truly need a helping hand can get it.”

Welfare fraud ranges from selling EBT cards, to misreporting income, to failing to inform social services about how many people actually live at a residence, the DA said.

Arrested:

•  Jacob Vasquez, 38, Visalia ($3,149.00)
•  Megan Jefferson, 34, Visalia ($15,919.00)
•  Charlotte Baca, 41, Fresno ($1,809.00)
•  Guadalupe Acosta, 61, Tulare ($1,755.00)
•  Anselmo Garcia, 42, Porterville ($6,478.00)
•  Lynette Barba, 34, Visalia ($4,746.00)
•  Jessica Dorough, 27, and Arturo Alvardo, 30, Porterville ($4,938.00)
•  Rosa Garcia, 32, Dinuba ($24,947.00)
•  Cynthia Musquiz, 39, Porterville ($18,000.00)
•  Kristin Miller, 28, Tulare ( $3,592.00)
•  Erica Abel, 33, Pixley ($4,197.00)
•  Angelica Gutierrez, 35, and Miguel Trevino, 37, Pixley ($1,875.00)

Surrenders:

•  Megan Martinez, 29, Visalia ($2,571.00)
•  Daniel McCleary, 57, Dinuba ($5,280.00)
•  Shelyn Uphoff, 39, Visalia, ($3,840.00)
•  Elizabeth Ramirez, 34, Porterville ($7,477)

This story was originally published April 13, 2016 at 11:36 PM with the headline "14 arrested, 4 surrender in Tulare welfare fraud investigation."