Green River woman accused of defrauding welfare programs

A Green River woman who is accused of collecting about $23,000 through alleged welfare fraud pleaded not guilty to a felony charge.

Maria Magana appeared in the Third District Court of Judge Nena James at an arraignment to a felony charge of public welfare benefits fraud. If found guilty of this charge, Magana could face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and maximum fine of $10,000.

According to affidavit information, on May 17, 2012, the Department of Family Services Fraud and Recovery Unit received an anonymous letter which asked how Magana and her husband Horacio Magana could receive...