A U.S. Justice Department logo or seal showing Justice Department headquarters, known as "Main Justice," is seen behind the podium in the Department's headquarters briefing room before a news conference with the Attorney General in Washington, Jan. 24, 2023. (Reuters/Kevin Lamarque)
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A former Madera County benefits eligibility worker pleaded guilty Tuesday to aggravated identity theft for stealing identities and fraudulently obtaining CalFresh benefits, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
Leticia Mariscal, 55, of Madera, admitted to using county databases between July 2022 and June 2025 to access personal information of individuals who were deceased, elderly, or not U.S. citizens. She then approved or continued CalFresh benefits in their names, obtained EBT cards, and spent the money on herself and her family, prosecutors said.
Mariscal’s scheme affected more than 15 people and resulted in over $40,000 in stolen benefits, according to court records. Investigators said she also misled noncitizens by claiming they needed to provide immigration records to maintain benefits, causing them to stop using the assistance.
Mariscal is scheduled to be sentenced April 13 by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston.
She faces a two-year prison term and a fine of up to $250,000, although her final sentence will be determined by the court.
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