Video courtesy of the Office of Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia. To watch video, click here or above

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- Today, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia announced over $806,000 in public assistance fraud arrests and administrative action cases for May 2026. The Department of Financial Services Criminal Investigations Division (CID) reviews each of these cases to determine proper use of public assistance benefits and program eligibility. 

Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia said, “If you think you can scheme your way into profiting off of public assistance benefits, think again. Florida will continue to set the standard for cracking down on public assistance fraud and ensuring that criminals who try to engage in fraudulent schemes will face the consequences of their actions. I want to applaud the work of my investigators who work tirelessly to protect taxpayer-funded programs and hold these criminals accountable.”

Last month, CID investigators arrested 12 criminals who defrauded $487,728 of public assistance benefits. Among those arrested, Alexis Rivero fraudulently obtained $221,789 out of SNAP benefits and Medicaid. This was the largest amount resulting in an arrest made in the month of May for public assistance fraud.

Public Assistance Fraud Arrests in May 2026

• Kristen Bowman was charged with public assistance fraud totaling $47,516.68.
• Nelida Reyes-Carrasquillo was charged with making false statements for public aid and grand theft totaling $42,113.46.
• David Jacobs was charged with public assistance fraud totaling $41,925.28. 
• Janelle Josephik was charged with public assistance fraud totaling $32,662.90. 
• Aurora Damian Chamu was charged with welfare fraud totaling $29,432.71. 
• Tanya Yinger was charged with public assistance fraud totaling $2,806.
• Yamalys Parrilla was charged with public assistance fraud totaling $18,123.78. 
• Ricki Ambrose was charged with public assistance fraud totaling $4,087.54. 
• Carolyn Ruise was charged with welfare fraud totaling $3,964. 
• Karigan Burgos was charged with welfare fraud totaling $33,452.41.
• Shlaberte Saintlouis was charged with public assistance fraud totaling $9,855.  
• Alexis Rivero was charged with public assistance fraud and grand theft totaling $221,787.88.
  

Additionally, the Bureau of Public Assistance Fraud reviewed 48 cases that resulted in administrative action for fraud totaling $318,895. As a result, these individuals were disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits for either 12 months, 24 months, or permanently, depending on their previous violation history.

The Department of Financial Services encourages anyone with knowledge of fraud to report it at FraudFreeFlorida.com | Florida Department of Financial Services.