A Phoenix, Ariz. couple was sentenced to six months in prison after pleading guilty to defrauding the state of $94,000 in food stamp benefits, according to Monday reports.
George Cortez was able to scam the state by misreporting his household income when applying for benefits. He claimed his spouse, Robin Cortez, lived at a different residence so her income would not be counted, reports The Associated Press.
The couple will face an additional three years of supervised probation plus payback what they took, according to reports.
“Anyone who lies to obtain public benefits is stealing from the taxpayers of Arizona,” Attorney General Mark Brnovich said according to the local affiliate of CBS News.
The food stamp program is the largest food-assistance welfare service in the country. It is officially known as the The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers the program in coordination with state agencies.
The Arizona Department of Economic Security launched the investigation after receiving a tip the couple lived together. Their combined income would have likely disqualified them from receiving benefits. The investigation uncovered a lease agreement, home surveillance, records and even witness testimony from neighbors and coworkers proving the couple lived at the same residence.
The size of SNAP and its potential for abuse has prompted concern among many lawmakers. According to a report from the USDA, the program has increased from 17 million participants in 2000 to nearly 47 million in 2014. The improved economy has helped decrease the number of participants in recent years. The Congressional Budget Office found, since participation hit its peak in December 2012, the number of people receiving benefits has declined by more than 1.5 million.
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