Galloway Woman Among 3 Accused of Defrauding Welfare

Three Atlantic County employees have been charged with theft in connection with defrauding the state of hundreds of dollars in welfare benefits following Tropical Storm Irene, Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced Wednesday (Aug. 14).

On July 30, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit issued summonses for theft to three employees of the Atlantic County Department of Family & Community Development.

Following Tropical Storm Irene, the State of New Jersey in conjunction with Atlantic County conducted a quality assurance review into the administration of the Disaster Food Stamps Program (D-SNAP/Food Stamps) — a program intended to provide food stamp benefits to many households that would not ordinarily be eligible but suddenly needed food assistance. The benefits are administered through the Atlantic County Department of Family & Community Development, where all three defendants were employed.

Following the quality assurance review, several alleged frauds were identified and forwarded to the Prosecutor’s Office for further investigation.

Investigation by the Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit suggested that Jocelyn Roberts, 58, of Atlantic City, Rheba Lawrence, 77, of Pleasantville, and Janice Dorsey, 51, of Galloway, allegedly had all submitted various forms of falsified information in order to receive benefits they were not eligible for.

The charges allege that Roberts falsified an affidavit that she had lost in excess of $500 in food, which she had not and unlawfully collected $526 in benefits that she was not entitled to.

Dorsey is accused of falsely reporting the number of household members residing in her home during the time period as required by the state and therefore receiving $526 in aid she was not entitled to.

Lawrence allegedly falsified her total income by failing to report social security income and unlawfully received $793 in aid she was not entitled to.

All three defendants were charged with third-degree theft and served with summonses to appear in court.

Theft in the third-degree carries a prison sentence of between three to five years in New Jersey State Prison and up to $15,000 in fines. There is a presumption of noncustodial sentences on third degree offenses.

Welfare Fraud can be anonymously reported to the Atlantic County Department of Family & Community Development – Fraud Investigation Unit by calling the 24-hour Fraud Hotline at: 1-800-FRAUD05 (1-800-372-8305).

hese charges are merely an accusation and not proof of guilt. In all criminal cases, a charged defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

— News release from the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office