A Lubbock woman was indicted Friday on charges of nearly $50,000 in fraud over a three-year period, according to a release from the Ninth Judicial District.
Tovia O'Neal, 35, was charged with one count of misappropriating public assistance over $20,000 and two counts of misappropriating public assistance over $2,500. She faces a maximum of 15 years in jail.
According to the release:
- The district attorney's office was contacted by agents from the Human Services Division of the Office of Inspector General regarding alleged claims of public assistance fraud.
- Upon investigation, it was discovered that O'Neal allegedly used a relative's address in Clovis to apply for public assistance funds in the form of food stamps, cash assistance, and Medicaid healthcare benefits in New Mexico while concurrently receiving the same benefits in Texas.
- In the process, O'Neal did not disclose that she was employed, a violation of the state's public assistance laws.
- The state of New Mexico's Human Services Department reported it overpaid benefits, which resulted in a loss of $47,718.05 to the state.
- An arraignment will be held within the next 10 days.
