Woman charged with welfare fraud collected $100G in food stamps, Medicaid, authorities say

NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 10: Kethia Dorelus a social worker with the Cooperative Feeding Program displays a Federal food stamps card that is used to purchase food on February 10, 2011 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Recent statistics show that nationwide, one in seven Americans receives help from the Federal government with buying food. The food stamp program was used by 43.6 million people in November 2010. Before the recession, the program was serving 26 million. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (2011 Getty Images)

A Connecticut woman has been charged with welfare fraud for obtaining more than $100,000 in welfare benefits to which she was not entitled, authorities said.

Natalie Wittmer, 47, was arrested and charged with first-degree larceny by defrauding a public community.

Authorities said Wittmer fraudulently obtained almost $40,000 in food stamp benefits and another $65,000 in Medicaid benefits.

The Shelton, Conn., woman’s income far exceeded the program’s guidelines and is inconsistent with her paperwork, investigators said.

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An affidavit also alleges Wittmer and her family own two expensive cars and two rental properties.

Wittmer’s lawyer said her client maintains her innocence and will plead not guilty during her arraignment in April.

Wittmer was freed on $5,000 bond.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.