Investigation uncovers welfare fraud

A Le Center woman faces four felony charges, including wrongfully obtaining assistance and three counts of perjury. Her significant other, with whom she resides, is also charged with a felony for his role in the alleged crime.

According to Le Sueur County Court records, Shannon Jean Foline, 39, of Le Center, has been charged with receiving public assistance benefits (greater than $1,000 and less than $5,000) based upon fraudulent representation and concealment, which constitutes a felony.

Foline also faces three charges of perjury for making false material statements on legal documents, which also constitute as felonies.

Court records show that Foline received SNAP benefits (food support) and medical assistance continuously from January 1, 2017, through December 23, 2019. During that time period, the application forms Foline filled out to receive public benefits always reported, “$0.00,” for income from any employment or self-employment.

Through an investigation, law enforcement learned that Foline was receiving income via house cleaning services.

Through search warrants, authorities discovered that....

To see more on this story pick up the January 30, 2020 print edition of The New Prague Times or the Montgomery Messenger.