The Maine criminal code states that a person can be guilty of “unsworn falsification” if they make a written false statement they do not believe is true. A woman from Maine, who officially lied on her government benefits applications, is now in official trouble for receiving a variety of benefits she did not deserve.
According to a CentralMaine.com article, the woman collected nearly $23,000 in welfare benefits over a 33-month period. She was able to steal food stamps worth more than $10,000, emergency assistance and program benefits from MaineCare, the state’s Medicaid program – all because she did not disclose the fact that she was working and earning income during the time she received those benefits.
The 37-year-old woman pleaded guilty to theft by deception and will serve four months in jail. Because she entered a guilty plea, a charge of unsworn falsification was dropped and the additional time of her two-year prison sentence was suspended and replaced with two years of probation instead.She also has to pay $22,973.85 in restitution to the Department of Health and Human Services.
This case is a perfect example as to why you should always tell the truth. When applying for government benefits, make sure the information you provide is truthful before signing your name on the dotted line, because you will be held accountable.
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