Sherburne County Convicts 10 People Of Welfare Fraud in 2015

ELK RIVER - Sherburne County is cracking down on people who are stealing from public assistance.

The Sherburne County Attorney's Office, Health and Human Services, and the Sheriff's Office say they have successfully prosecuted 10 people who were convicted of welfare fraud in 2015.

Some examples include: Todd Hiehle and Barbara Hiehle who both pleaded guilty to Wrongfully Obtaining Public Assistance. They both were sentenced to 15 days in jail, and have to repay public assistance over $17,000. Wendy Dickey served 12 days in jail, and repaid over $23,000. And Penny Schmidt served 90 days in jail, and was ordered to repay over $18,000 to public assistance, as well as nearly $12,000 to a local nursing care center.

If you have information on welfare fraud being committed in Sherburne County, you're asked to call the Sherburne County Sheriff's Office. Jim Maurice, WJON.