Nine people in area face fraud charges
By Daniela Velazquez
DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has arrested nine people from Tallahassee, Quincy and Monticello on charges related to public-assistance fraud since May 23, said Phil Kiracofe, a spokesman for FDLE. "If someone receives benefits they're not entitled to, they're taking money away from someone who truly needs it," said Paul Mobley, investigation manager for the Tallahassee region public-assistance fraud squad.Public assistance fraud is a third-degree felony punishable by imprisonment and/or fines. Public assistance fraud is a third-degree felony punishable by imprisonment and/or fines. Only two of the arrests were related. Michelle Crowder, 19, and her mother, Beverly Crowder, 49, both of Monticello, allegedly stole an 81-year-old woman's food-stamp card when Michelle Crowder was working as a cashier at a Tallahassee grocery store. Kiracofe said the two later used it at a grocery store in Monticello. Both were arrested May 24 on charges of criminal use of personal-identification information. The others were arrested on charges of public-assistance fraud for failing to report income or employment. They were: Erika R. Rayfield, 36; Lakeisha Lloyd, 27; Yolanda Smith, 30; Wannessia S. Jefferson, 25, and Bridgette Ash, 39, all of Tallahassee, Kiracofe said. Avo Bridges, 43, and Wendy A. Nealy, 37, both of Quincy, also were arrested. Someone can report public-assistance fraud through FDLE's Public Assistance Fraud squad at 410-7500. Contact reporter Daniela Velazquez at (850) 599-2161 or dvelazquez@ tallahassee.com. Originally published June 1, 2006 http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060601/NEWS01/606010314/1010/NEWS01
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