Skip to main content

Chualar Couple Pleads Guilty to Welfare Fraud



California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Tuesday, August 27 that 31-year-old Ana Villegas and 41-year-old Juan Garcia-Aspeitia of Chualar, recently pled guilty to felony welfare fraud. The plea was taken by Monterey County Superior Court Judge Mark E. Hood.
Between the months of April 2015 and October 2017, the couple was receiving CalFresh benefits (food stamps) and CalWorks benefits (cash aide) claiming that they needed these benefits to support their children as they were both unemployed. A subsequent investigation by the Department of Social Services (DSS) and the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office revealed that both individuals were in fact employed during the entire fraud period. Both Villegas and Garcia-Aspeitia misrepresented their employment and income status to DSS, as well as on the requisite reporting forms for these programs. Their household income was well above the level required to be eligible to receive any benefits. The couple’s misrepresentations resulted in an overpayment of benefits of $21,014.00.
Villegas and Garcia-Aspeitia will be sentenced on October 17, 2019. Both face 3 years of formal felony probation, up to 365 days in jail, and will be ordered to pay back the loss directly to the Department of Social Services.
It is illegal to use benefits belonging to another or benefits obtained using misrepresentations. Monterey County Department of Social Services along with the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office has a welfare fraud tip line. If you have information regarding welfare fraud you can leave an anonymous tip at (831)755-3224.
This case was investigated by the Department of Social Services and District Attorney Investigator Kris Hunsaker.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

King City Man Arrested on January 6 for Rape, Unlawful Sexual Intercourse with a Minor and Kidnapping

  According to King City Police Department, on December 30, 2024 a 17-year-old minor female victim reported that she had attended a party on the 100 Block of Bedford Circle on December 24, 2024. During the party, the suspect provided her with alcohol. He then pulled the victim into a bedroom, forcibly removed her clothing and had sexual intercourse with her against her will. This case was investigated by the King City Police Department Investigations Unit which resulted in the apprehension and arrest on January 6, 2025 of the suspect identified as 21-year-old Jesus Oseguera Briseno of King City. Briseno was also booked into the Monterey County Jail charged with Rape, Unlawful Sexual Intercourse with a Minor and Kidnapping. Anyone with further information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the King City Police Department at (844) 844-3382; Sergeant Josh Partida (831) 385-4848 or jpartida@kingcity.com; or the WeTip line at 1-800-78-CRIME. Your call may remain completely ano...
Post a Comment
Read more

3 Vehicle Wreck on Highway 101 Outside of King City on December 26

  A 3 vehicle accident happened on Highway 101 Northbound near the Central Avenue exit outside of King City at 12:07 pm on Thursday afternoon, December 26. One of the vehicles overturned as a result of the crash. Minor injuries were reported from the collision. 
Post a Comment
Read more

Greenfield Man Arrested for November 26 Attempted Murder Incident in King City

  On November 26, 2024, at approximately 4:05 PM, officers from the King City Police Department were dispatched to the 900 block of Broadway Street for a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers learned that the victim had been shot multiple times and was transported by family members to a local hospital for treatment for non-life-threatening wounds. Through investigation, detectives identified a possible suspect vehicle. A subject associated to that vehicle was contacted and later arrested for his involvement in the shooting. He is identified as 20-year-old Adrian Justo of Greenfield. Justo was booked into Monterey County Jail for attempted murder. There is no additional information at this time and the investigation is on-going. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the King City Police Department at (831) 385-4848; Sergeant Joshue Partida at (831) 386-5988 or jpartida@kingcity.com; or the WeTip line at 1-800-78-CRIME. Your call may remain compl...
Post a Comment
Read more