The Mesa County Department of Human Services (MCDHS) Fraud and
Recovery Unit recently sent its first Welfare Fraud case to a jury trial.
The jury trial ran from
Monday, May 16 through Friday, May 20, 2016.
A guilty verdict was
reached on Friday May 20, 2016 in the case of Heather Diane Williams.
Williams was found guilty
on
3 forgery charges a class
5 felony
3 counts of attempting to
influence a public servant at class 4 felony
1 count of theft a class 4
felony
Williams was found guilty
of 7 out of 37 courts presented
She has a court ordered restitution
up to $4999
The case involved both
Food Assistance and Medicaid fraud.
Sentencing in this case
will be held on August 12, 2016. The exact amount of William’s restitution will
be determined at that sentencing.
“We are proud of our Fraud
and Recovery team for putting in the time and diligence to the details in
taking this case to trail,” said Tracey Garchar, Executive Director for the
Mesa County Department of Human Services. “These benefits are in place for
people who are eligible and genuinely need them. When they are used
inappropriately our Fraud and Recovery Team will dutiful investigate and
prosecute those cases of Fraud at every level.” said, Garchar.
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.