DOJ Charges California Food Stamp Official for Sending Benefits to Dead People – Then Spending Them
federal prosecutors have charged Leticia Mariscal, a former Madera County welfare worker in California, with conducting a multi-year fraud scheme involving CalFresh food assistance benefits. Between December 2020 and April 2025, Mariscal allegedly exploited her access to county databases to steal over $40,000 by improperly approving CalFresh benefits for elderly and deceased individuals, then printing EBT cards in their names and spending the benefits herself. The fraud was uncovered after a family member of a 91-year-old nursing home resident questioned the food assistance their relative was receiving. Mariscal admitted to the misconduct when confronted with security footage but tried to shift blame to a former boyfriend, claiming fear for her safety. She was placed on leave earlier this year, and if convicted, faces up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $250,000. The FBI and Madera County District Attorney’s Office lead the investigation.
Federal prosecutors have charged a longtime California welfare worker with carrying out a multi-year fraud scheme involving food assistance benefits and dead people.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced the arrest of former Madera County benefits eligibility worker Leticia Mariscal, 55, of Madera.
Prosecutors alleged that Mariscal stole tens of thousands of dollars in CalFresh benefits by exploiting her access to county databases.
CalFresh is California’s version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
According to the Justice Department, the alleged scheme took place between December 2020 and April 2025.
A former #MaderaCounty benefits eligibility worker was arrested, charged for allegedly stealing more than $40,000 in CalFresh benefits between December 2020 and April 2025.https://t.co/SkM8NYKyi8 pic.twitter.com/cJuNEtwr8z
— FBI Sacramento (@FBISacramento) December 12, 2025
Mariscal is accused of improperly accessing identifying information for elderly and deceased individuals.
Authorities said she secretly approved those individuals for CalFresh benefits.
Prosecutors alleged that she then printed EBT cards in their names. Benefits were then deposited onto the cards and allegedly spent by Mariscal herself.
Federal authorities say that more than 15 identities were used in the scheme, The New York Post reported.
The total amount allegedly stolen was at least $40,000.
The case reportedly came to light after the son of a 91-year-old woman living in a nursing home questioned why his mother was receiving food assistance.
Investigators later confronted Mariscal with security footage, according to the complaint.
She allegedly admitted to the conduct after being shown the footage.
Prosecutors said she attempted to shift blame to a former boyfriend she had described as a gang member.
She allegedly claimed she carried out the fraud because she was afraid for her safety.
Mariscal was placed on leave earlier this year after the fraudulent activity was discovered.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI with assistance from the Madera County District Attorney’s Office.
If convicted, Mariscal faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
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