Southern California Welfare Fraud
In late December 2008, KABC-TV Los Angeles put out a report regarding the pending arrest of county in-home care employees allegedly involved in over 700 cases of fraud. Over 174,000 residents of Los Angeles County receive in-home care from the Department of Social Services, and investigating officials allege that fraud is present within the program.
The news came less than two months after the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced the arrest of 10 people on felony warrants for welfare fraud. DA officials allege that the individuals involved in the charges had defrauded welfare programs for more than $460,000 in money and services.
These two examples of fraud in Southern California illustrate the highly diverse nature of what are commonly called “white collar crimes.” White collar crime in Southern California is a loose set of non-violent criminal activity typically associated with business people, investors and other professionals in positions of trust.
Although the DA’s office arrests and the in-home care allegations can be loosely termed fraud, the conditions surrounding the in-home care case more closely fits with the common definition of a Los Angeles white collar crime—that is, a crime involving a breach of trust by a professional acting in a professional capacity. Of course, all of this is mere speculation until arrests are made and the facts determined in a court of law.
Welfare fraud in Los Angeles committed by individuals for personal gain also falls within the broad definition of white collar crime. The act of welfare fraud often involves making false statements and/or perjury, which is a breach of trust.
White collar crime, including fraud, is a serious threat to a defendant’s rights and reputation. An experienced Southern California fraud lawyer will act quickly to limit the potential harm posed by allegations of fraud.
