Crime & Safety
Police Say Tiverton Woman Stole $26,000 in State Benefits
31-year-old woman allegedly underreported her income to obtain SNAP and RIte Care benefits.
A 31-year-old Tiverton woman is facing charges stemming from her alleged theft of $26,896.79 from the state's nutrition and medical care benefit programs for needy Rhode Islanders by underreporting her income for one year.
The State Police arrested Tiffany R. Briere, of 257 King Road on Monday on charges of felony obtaining money under false pretenses and fraudulently obtaining assistance over $500 and she was released on $20,000 personal recognizance until a Sept. 2 pre-arraignment conference in Sixth Division District Court.
Briere allegedly collected $3,478 from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and $23,418.79 in RIte Care benefits between Novembers 2012 and 2013. Police uncovered the fraud after an investigation by the State Police Financial Crimes Unit after the state Department of Human Services received a complaint.
If convicted, Briere could face up to 10 years in prison and fines.
To report suspected fraud or misuse of any service, call the DHS Fraud Unit at 401-416-8300 or click the "report misuse/fraud" tab at www.dhs.ri.gov.
A list of programs is here:
http://www.dhs.ri.gov/DefaultPermissions/AZProgramsServices/tabid/320/Default.aspx
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