BALTIMORE (AP) — The Maryland Attorney General’s Office says a former social services employee has been sentenced to five years in prison for stealing almost $417,000 in welfare funds.
Joyce Flowers, 41, was also ordered to pay more than $374,000 in restitution at sentencing Tuesday.
Prosecutors say over a 14-month period, Flowers created fake welfare recipients in the Baltimore Department of Social Services computer system and stole cash and food stamps.
Officials say she traded the funds for computers, televisions, cruises, a BMW and jewelry.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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