Hollister
– A former employee of San Benito County’s Health and Human
Services Agency and a home health care provider have been charged
with five counts of fraud and embezzlement.
Hollister – A former employee of San Benito County’s Health and Human Services Agency and a home health care provider have been charged with five counts of fraud and embezzlement. Deputy District Attorney Candice Hooper alleged that more than $100,000 of government money was misappropriated by the pair.
According to the district attorney’s written complaint, which was filed on Monday, the alleged fraud and embezzlement continued for more than two years, from May 2004 to October 2006.
Hooper said Nina Martinez Ahumada, 57, and Paula Marie Valencia, 39, allegedly conspired to receive money for services that were not provided. Ahumada and Valencia are charged with grand theft by embezzlement, fraudulent claims over $400, presentation of a fraudulent claim and two counts of insurance fraud. All five charges are felonies.
Both women are scheduled for arraignment in San Benito County Superior Court on Dec. 26.
“This is something we feel is an egregious betrayal of the public trust,” HHSA Director Kathy Flores said.
Ahumada’s daughter said her mother had no comment on the charges. The Free Lance was unable to contact Valencia on Tuesday.
According to HHSA officials, the agency first became aware of the alleged crimes after an automated system detected an irregularity. A staff member reported the irregularity to the agency’s special investigator. The investigator worked with the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office to investigate the irregularity, and once enough evidence had been collected, the case was passed on to the district attorney’s office.
According to Flores, the discovery has led to greater security at the agency. Although she wouldn’t comment on what the improvements specifically entail, she said, “We’re very happy with the changes that have been made.”
When asked if he is confident that the agency’s security measures will prevent a similar thefts in the future, County Supervisor Anthony Botelho said, “Absolutely.”
Hooper said restitution for the missing funds will be addressed – if the accused are found guilty – during the sentencing process.
The missing money consists primarily of state funds distributed by the county’s social service programs, Botelho said. But the missing funds should not affect any of the services that the HHSA provides, according to Flores. And although she could not comment on personnel issues, Flores emphasized that the accused employee is no longer with the agency.
“No current employees are suspected of any wrongdoing,” she said.
Anthony Ha covers local government for the Free Lance. Reach him at (831) 637-5566 ext. 330 or [email protected]. Free Lance Staff Writer Michael Van Cassell contributed to this report.
