Rothbury woman owes over $47,000 for welfare fraud

Diana Velazquez, at right, with her attorney, Julie Springstead Waltz.

By Allison Scarbrough. OCP Editor.

HART — A 37-year-old Rothbury woman who owes over $47,000 for welfare fraud pleaded guilty to the charge in 27th Circuit Court Monday, Oct. 26.

Diana Velazquez, of 7095 S. Clearwater Court, must pay 60 percent of the money she owes by the end of her probation term. No up-front jail time will be ordered as part of her plea agreement. If she pays 60 percent, which is approximately $28,000, she can withdraw her felony plea and plead to a misdemeanor.

Valzquez testified that from January of 2009 to August 2013 she received government assistance, and she committed fraud by failing to inform the Department of Human Services of her husband’s income.

Sentencing is set for Dec. 7 at 9 a.m.