Posted on: Thursday, November 27, 2003

State cuts welfare payments to 137 fugitives

Associated Press

The state is saving $803,000 with the termination of welfare benefits to 137 fugitives, Attorney General Mark Bennett said yesterday.

The fugitives were identified last Friday by the Department of Human Service with the assistance of the FBI, Bennett said.

The fugitives were wanted in 25 states in connection with felony charges or for parole or probation violations, with the underlying offenses including robbery, sex and drug offenses, and burglary, he said.

The identified felons face arrest and extradition to the states from which they fled. Those who lied to obtain welfare benefits are routinely prosecuted by the state for welfare fraud.

Last year, the same program led to the termination of benefits to 225 fleeing felons, saving the state more than $900,000.

Anyone with information concerning welfare fraud should call the Welfare Fraud Hotline at (808) 587-8444.