AUBURN – A mother was indicted last week on charges that she scammed the state out of more than $2,000 by lying on her welfare application.
Authorities say Judith Libby collected food stamps and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families from August 2000 to August 2001, by lying about her employment status on her Department of Human Services paperwork.
According to an indictment, handed up by an Androscoggin County grand jury last Thursday, Libby, 39, answered no to two questions on the application.
One asked if she or anyone in her home receives wages. Another asked if she or anyone in her house receives assistance, such as unemployment benefits, child support or Social Security.
According to the indictment, she was receiving unemployment benefits in August and September 2000, after which she was employed by L.L. Bean.
Assistant Attorney General David Spencer said his office prosecutes about 10 to 20 similar cases a year, but most of them are resolved in District Court.
If convicted, she faces up to five years in prison.
Libby could not be reached Monday.
lchmelecki@sunjournal.com
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