Human Services Fraud & Recovery Sends First Case to Jury Trial

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.