PARIS — A Norway woman accused of scamming state benefits by returning dumped water bottles has entered a not guilty plea in court.
Linda Goodman, 57, faces a single count of unlawful trafficking in SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps, a Class D misdemeanor. She is accused of purchasing water with state benefits, emptying the bottles and collecting the deposit.
As reported by the Advertiser Democrat, Goodman purchased about $125 in water cases and redeemed about $38.
If convicted, she faces up to 364 days in jail, a $2,000 fine and could lose her SNAP benefits for one year.
“The problem is, cases like these hurt people who are truly needy and spend it on food,” Assistant District Attorney Joseph O’Connor said.
Goodman also entered a denial on an unrelated charge of domestic violence assault.
ccrosby@sunmediagroup.net
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