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Rent Reimbursement Scam



Spencer, IA (KICD)--A Spencer woman is facing felony charges after allegedly scamming the state out of nearly 50 thousand dollars.

Clay County Attorney Mike Houchins says he's filed charges against Thelma Johnson saying "it appears from 2003 to 2010 she obtained about $47,121 in rent reimbursement from the department of revenue using false names, income information , social security numbers, and drivers license numbers. Apparently there is really no checks and balances within the department of revenue to catch this kind of fraudulent activity." A tip through anonymous letters led investigators to start looking at Johnson's records.

Houchins says he has no quarrel with the program that's supposed to benefit elderly and disabled people. But he has called state legislators about the lack of oversight and says State Senator David Johnson plans to inform the Legislative Oversight Committee about the case.



Story Copyright KICD/KLLT 2010

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