Democratic Lawmaker Indicted On Food Stamp Fraud

An Arizona Democratic lawmaker was indicted on felony charges for allegedly falsifying her application when applying for food stamps, investigators announced Wednesday.

State Rep. Cecilia Velasquez was charged with fraud, theft and unlawful use of food stamp benefits. The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) detailed that she allegedly lied on her application when applying for food stamps. She allegedly claimed two fake dependents, provided a false address and allowed two other people to use her food stamp benefit card.

“The indictment of State Representative Velasquez is the culmination of an extensive multi-year investigation,” Inspector General Juan J. Arcellana said in a statement. “The forthcoming judicial proceedings will ensure due process for the involved parties.”

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