Alabama AG King Announces 10-Year Prison Sentence For Welfare Fraud In Morgan County
By admin - Posted on August 28th, 2007
August 27, 2007 -- MONTGOMERY — Alabama Attorney General Troy King announced that a Somerville man was sentenced today to serve 10 years in prison for welfare fraud. James Shea, 58, pleaded guilty in Morgan County Circuit Court on August 23 to committing second-degree theft of food stamp benefits, by misprepresenting his household income and resources. Because of previous felony convictions for crimes related to distribution of drugs, he was sentenced today as an habitual offender to serve the 10 year sentence in prison without a period of probation, and ordered to pay restitution.
"This sentence is a strong confirmation that welfare fraud will not be tolerated and there are serious consequences for those who break the law," said Attorney General King. "When people lie to receive welfare benefits to which they are not entitled, they are commiting a crime against the State, the taxpaying public, and those who are truly deserving of welfare benefits. I take seriously my responsibility as Attorney General to protect public funds on behalf of the people of Alabama and pledge to prosecute those who break the law by abusing the welfare system."
The Attorney General commended Assistant Attorney General Ferris Stephens of his Welfare Fraud Unit. Attorney General King also thanked the Department of Human Resources for its assistance in preparing information and referring the matter to the Attorney General's Office for review and appropriate action, noting in particular Tonita Phipps, director of the Morgan County Department of Human Resources; Sheree Robinson, case worker, Morgan County DHR; Judy Smith, claims worker, Northeast Regional Claims Unit; and Gwin Smith, supervisor, Northeast Regional Claims Unit.
The Morgan County case is part of a continuing statewide effort by Attorney General King to aggressively investigate and prosecute welfare fraud. Prosecutions are pending in approximately 36 counties.
Source: Alabama Attorney General
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