N T Y of SAN Bern a R D

Complaints received by the HS-PID came from a number of sources such as confidential Hotline, e-mails, Caseworker Narrative Section, anonymous and un- anonymous informants, Integrated Earnings Verification System (IEVS) used by case workers of the HS-PID, and We-Tip.

EBT cards are not generally tracked unless there is a red flag such as large purchases, substantial funds spent in a short period of time and funds being used out-of-state. Also, most individuals receiving EBT cards are fingerprinted. However, a single mother under the age of 18 is not required to be fingerprinted; although immediately following the 18th birthday, the fingerprinting requirement begins.

Welfare Fraud Investigators report recipients who receive EBT cards who are investigated for abuses, are imposed the following penalties: first offense, six months off the program; second offense, 12 months off the program and third offense are disqualified from the program. In those cases, where recipients are overpaid, they are allowed to reimburse the County and are not always subject to incarceration.

After conducting our interviews with members of the HS-PID, we learned that the investigators do not handle complaints from law enforcement, but if such a complaint is received, they go directly to the supervisor. The fraud investigators handle issues concerning eligibility, residential discrepancies, household compositions and unreported income. On the other hand, the District Attorney works with general welfare cases having to do with entitlement, failure to report income, household composition and illegal acquisition or use of a card. However, they admitted they do not see a lot of these matters.

The District Attorney’s Office does not investigate EBT card fraud cases unless the amount is over $950 and the case has been referred to the DA’s office. Currently, there are two cases pending trial involving two County employees embezzling $100,000 - $500,000 with the help of their family members assisting in the embezzlement. In the past, the DA’s office reports that for several years they have received at least 40 cases from the HS-PID. However, now they receive about 12 cases.

Based on information we received from both the District Attorney’s Office and the Welfare Fraud Investigators, investigations relative to EBT card fraud are specifically investigated by the Human Services Program Integrity Division. 29

In addition, we learned from the District Attorney’s Office, they are not able to prosecute cases, as they have been in the past, because they do not get cooperation from the Human Services Department who can provide the evidence needed in these matters. Also, in court cases information needed is not released and investigators are not allowed to assist in witness needs. The District Attorney’s Office extended an invitation to the HS-PID to participate in sweeps in conjunction with some 850 cases involving arrests and warrants. However, the operation was halted because the department was unwilling to get involved. The HS-PID, however, does admit they are aware of EBT card fraud and it is a “big thing.” They have witnessed cards being sold on Craig’s List and EBT cards being advertised in an effort to solicit a buyer and they do watch these activities.