Hart woman pleads guilty to welfare fraud.

Vasquez

Hart woman pleads guilty to welfare fraud.

#OceanaCountyCrime

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

HART – A 44-year-old Hart woman does not face any jail time after pleading guilty to welfare fraud over $500 in 27th Circuit Court Monday, June 17, but she may be required to pay $58,000 in restitution.

Zandra Carinda Vasquez, of 619 Woodlawn St., admitted to Judge Robert D. Springstead that she was running a child care service and falsely billed welfare for children she was not actually taking care of.

As part of Vasquez’s plea agreement, she must pay restitution of $500 per month for five years during her probation, said Oceana County Prosecutor Joseph Bizon.

“If you don’t pay, you will be in violation and you will go to jail,” Judge Springstead said.

Although it is difficult to determine the total amount owed, Vasquez’s attorney Terry Nolan said restitution of $58,000 will be requested by the prosecution.

Sentencing is set for Aug. 26 At 9 a.m.

This story is copyrighted © 2019, all rights reserved by Media Group 31, LLC, PO Box 21, Scottville, MI 49454. No portion of this story or images may be reproduced in any way, including print or broadcast, without expressed written consent.