Hart woman ordered to pay nearly $59,000 for welfare fraud.

Zandra Vasquez and defense attorney Terry Nolan.

Hart woman ordered to pay nearly $59,000 for welfare fraud.

#OceanaCountyCrime

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

HART – A 44-year-old Hart woman was ordered to pay restitution of $58,828.98 in 27th Circuit Court Monday, Aug. 26, for a conviction of welfare fraud.

Zandra Carinda Vasquez, of 619 Woodlawn Crt., pleaded guilty June 17.

Vasquez previously 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 a minimum of $500 per month for five years during her probation.

“If you miss a payment, it will be a probation violation and I will throw you in jail,” Judge Springstead said.

“Mr. Nolan said there is a plan to pay off restitution, which I find very encouraging,” said Oceana County Prosecutor Joseph Bizon. Terry Nolan is Vasquez’s attorney.

Vasquez was also sentenced to one day in jail with credit for one day served.

Judge Springstead said the court would consider an early discharge from probation if Vasquez’s restitution is paid in full.

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