DOJ Charges CA Welfare Worker Who Used Dead Identities for Food Benefits

Federal prosecutors have charged a longtime California welfare employee with carrying out a multi-year fraud scheme involving food assistance benefits issued to elderly and deceased individuals, then allegedly spending the money herself, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced the arrest of Leticia Mariscal, 55, of Madera, a former benefits eligibility worker for Madera County.

According to prosecutors, Mariscal abused her position to steal tens of thousands of dollars in taxpayer-funded food assistance benefits.

A former #MaderaCounty benefits eligibility worker was arrested, charged for allegedly stealing more than $40,000 in CalFresh benefits between December 2020 and April 2025.https://t.co/SkM8NYKyi8 pic.twitter.com/cJuNEtwr8z

— FBI Sacramento (@FBISacramento) December 12, 2025

Mariscal worked with CalFresh, California’s version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Prosecutors allege the fraudulent activity occurred over more than four years, from December 2020 through April 2025.

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According to court documents, Mariscal is accused of improperly accessing county databases to obtain identifying information belonging to elderly and deceased individuals.

Federal authorities said she then approved those individuals for CalFresh benefits without authorization.

Prosecutors allege Mariscal printed Electronic Benefit Transfer cards in the names of those individuals. Once benefits were loaded onto the cards, authorities said Mariscal personally used the funds for her own expenses.

Federal investigators allege that more than 15 identities were used in the scheme. According to reporting cited by prosecutors, the total amount fraudulently obtained was at least $40,000.

The case reportedly came to light after the son of a 91-year-old woman living in a nursing home noticed his mother was receiving food assistance benefits despite not applying for them.

DOJ ARREST: Leticia Mariscal used Madera Co. databases that she had access to due to her employment to obtain info on either dead or elderly ppl, then approved them to receive CalFresh benefits, printed EBT cards in their names & spent proceeds over 4 yrshttps://t.co/11GLIMYCLb

— Di Cali (@DiCali007) December 13, 2025

That inquiry triggered a deeper review of county records and benefit approvals.

Investigators later confronted Mariscal with security footage tied to the alleged misuse of the EBT cards, according to the criminal complaint. Prosecutors said Mariscal admitted to the conduct after being shown the footage.

Authorities further allege that Mariscal attempted to shift blame during the investigation, claiming that a former boyfriend she described as a gang member was responsible.

Prosecutors said Mariscal told investigators she participated in the scheme because she feared for her safety.

Mariscal was placed on leave earlier this year after the fraudulent activity was uncovered, according to federal officials.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Madera County District Attorney’s Office.

If convicted, Mariscal faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Federal prosecutors have not disclosed whether additional charges or defendants may be added as the case proceeds. Mariscal’s initial court appearances and further proceedings will take place in federal court in California.

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