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Department of Health and Human Services investigations lead to welfare fraud sentencings

Lansing, Mich. Dec. 22, 2014 – Two people have been charged with welfare fraud, sentenced to probation and ordered to pay restitution following investigations by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Muriel Flowers of Romulus pleaded no contest to welfare fraud/failure to inform involving more than $500. She was sentenced earlier this month to five years probation and ordered to pay restitution of more than $24,000, plus fines, costs and supervision fees. She had continued to receive and spend adoption subsidy payments after her adopted children moved out of her home.

Nina Mitchell of Detroit, a former employee of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), pleaded guilty to attempted welfare fraud. She was sentenced last month to one day in jail. She has already paid more than $1,300 in restitution to MDHHS.

The MDHHS Office of Inspector General investigated, resulting in charges filed by Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette.