SSI Fraud

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Los Angeles Times October 14, 2004

Mistrial in Disabled Woman's Welfare Fraud Case

By Rosenzweig, Times Staff Writer

Despite the defendant's confession, a federal jury deadlocked Wednesday

in a fraud case against a disabled woman accused of cheating the

government out of more than $17,000 in welfare payments.

Dessie , 55, who suffers from a heart ailment, diabetes and

ulcers, admitted the fraud and apologized for her conduct during a brief

appearance on the witness stand.

Nevertheless, the jury was unable to reach agreement, telling the court

that it was hopelessly divided. The jury foreperson said the panel split

8 to 4 for conviction. U.S. District Judge Rafeedie declared a

mistrial and scheduled a new trial for Nov. 30.

was one of 21 people arrested during a controversial sweep in

July aimed at individuals who said they hadn't received their monthly

Supplemental Security Income checks, but who allegedly cashed the

original and the replacement checks they received.

The federal Supplemental Security Income program, popularly known as

SSI, is designed to assist the blind, disabled and elderly poor.

Attorneys from the federal public defender's office complained that the

defendants should have received summonses to appear in court because

they were charged with nonviolent misdemeanors.

U.S. Atty. Debra Yang said that " in some of these cases, we made a

mistake and should not have proceeded as we did. "

The defendants were offered a chance to plead guilty to a single

misdemeanor, provided that they volunteered to perform 500 hours of

community service.

When declined, prosecutors obtained a new indictment, charging

her with 24 felony fraud counts.

's public defender, Reuven Cohen, sought to have the indictment

dismissed on grounds of vindictive prosecution, but Rafeedie rejected

his motion.

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-deadlock14oct14,1,1172817.story?coll=la-\

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