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Tuesday, May 07, 1996 Page: 5A
WILKES-BARRE — Criminal charges were filed recently by the state Office of
Inspector General against four Luzerne County individuals for alleged welfare
fraud.
The Office of Welfare Fraud Investigations and Recovery Management,
Wilkes-Barre, filed the charges against:
Richard Kolman, Main Street, Luzerne, who pleaded guilty to defrauding the
Department of Public Welfare of $2,360.50. Kolman failed to report income from
wages between Jan. 1, 1994, and Sept. 8, 1994.
President Judge Patrick Toole sentenced Kolman to 24 months probation plus
full restitution.
Bevan Wright, Meadowcrest Road, Trucksville, Kingston Township on
allegations he illegally received $4,447.50 in public assistance benefits by
failing to report his income between April 11, 1994, and July 31, 1995.
Jacqueline Wright, Meadowcrest Road, Trucksville, Kingston Township on
allegations she illegally received $4,447.50 in public assistance benefits by
failing to report income of a household member from April 11, 1994, to July
31, 1995.
John Michaels, Davis Street, Ashley, who allegedly received $1,812
illegally by failing to report income from wages.
Criminal charges against the Wrights and Michaels were filed with District
Justice Martin Kane of Wilkes-Barre.
Recipients who are found guilty of welfare fraud can receive maximum
sentences of seven years in prison, be fined up to $15,000, and face mandatory
restitution and program disqualification.