NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — An Alabama woman who fraudulently collected nearly $120,000 in benefits in New York City has pleaded guilty, State Inspector General Letizia Tagliafierro announced Tuesday.
Latonja Serling, 57, of Calera, Alabama also misrepresented her residence to obtain New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) rental benefits of more than $50,000.
"For years, this individual stole tens of thousands of dollars intended for actual New Yorkers truly in need by lying about her residence, employment and more," said Inspector General Tagliafierro.
She pleaded guilty in New York City Criminal Court to welfare fraud and was sentenced to a conditional discharge on both the felony and misdemeanor charges.
Serling must repay $50,000 in restitution within the next five years, at which point she will be able to have the felony charge removed, Tagliafierro added.
"She must repay the funds and give up her NYCHA address as part of her plea. We will continue to hold individuals who steal benefits from these important safety net programs accountable for their actions," Tagliafierro added.
Serling has also surrendered the NYCHA residence and one of the Social Security numbers that she used as part of her scheme.
An investigation found that in November 2018, the Office of the Welfare Inspector General received a complaint alleging that Serling was committing welfare fraud and collecting benefits via the New York City Human Resources Administration.
OWIG's investigation included real estate and employment records, use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, bank records, and Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn account postings.
An investigation reviewing real estate and employment records, use of SNAP benefits, bank records, along with Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn account postings determined that from November 2012 to present, Serling misrepresented her residence as 218 West 112th Street in New York City when she resided in either Birmingham or Calera, Alabama.
OWIG also determined that Serling failed to report her employment income, her marriage, and the income of her spouse – all of which she was required to report to HRA.
The investigation also found that Serling used two different Social Security numbers and she misrepresented her residence to obtain $52,646 in rental benefits through a NYCHA program.
