Attorney General Chases More Welfare Thieves

In another example of those employed in the welfare system (allegedly) getting rich off the poor through fraud, Pennsylvania Attorney General Linda Kelly has charged two Delaware County DPW employees, Cynthia Lewis and Ivan Jones, for scams they operated out of their offices.

According to a grand jury presentment, Lewis created six false public-assistance accounts and routed $254,000 to herself between 2007 and 2011.

She used state-issued electronic cards to withdraw funds, the grand jury alleged, and spent the money on cruises and gambling in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Jones used the names and personal information of existing welfare clients to open new cases and authorize payments. He then sent electronic cards to himself at various locations in Delaware County and made illegal withdrawals, the grand jury said.

Jones also arranged with two clients to receive illegal welfare payments if they agreed to split the take with him. Between 2007 and 2011, Jones allegedly stole $39,000, the grand jury said.

The cases go to show why continued efforts to crack down on waste, fraud and abuse in Public Welfare—the largest department in the state budget—must continue in order to fireproof Pennsylvania’s fiscal house.