Woman Accused Of Wyoming Welfare Fraud

GILLETTE, Wyo. (AP) — A 28-year-old woman has been accused of defrauding the Wyoming Department of Family Services by falsely claiming her daughter on applications for welfare benefits.

Elizabeth M. Cook is charged with obtaining assistance of services by misrepresentation.

Investigators say that Cook collected about $11,500 worth of benefits between August 2009 and March 2010 by filling out forms indicating that she had custody of her daughter in Gillette.

But investigators say in court documents that the daughter was in the custody of her father in Idaho at the time.

The Gillette News Record reports (http://bit.ly/yOsBzm ) that Cook is accused of receiving overpayments for food stamps and medical benefits.

If convicted, Cook could face up to 20 years in prison and $20,000 in fines.