Michigan woman charged in candy scam

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By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Sep 5, 2008 at 10:31 AM EST

Story Updated: Sep 5, 2008 at 10:31 AM EST

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (AP) — A Mount Pleasant woman is accused of using state aid to buy candy and have her children sell it under the guise of fundraising for charity.

The Saginaw News reports 29-year-old Joanne Walters used her state-issued Bridge Card to buy candy. Authorities say she then made her 11-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter sell the candy door-to-door in Gratiot and Isabella counties.

She has a court hearing in Isabella County Sept. 15 on misdemeanor charges of committing fraud under false pretenses, using false names for a charitable solicitation and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison.

Walters has no attorney on record or listed number.

Monday, Sep 8 at 10:43 AM Anonymous wrote ...

I think the welfare program is good BUT NEEDS REVAMPED! I get tired of struggling day in day out we work 3 jobs and still have little money. I get sick and angry seeing people swipe their food stamp card like the other day these people had 3 double packs of 24 cans of pepsi, I can not afford that why should they get that? think it is important to feed kids in families but lets buy healthy needed items not pop,lots of expensive steaks but things like hamburger/tuna helper veggies fruits ect.

Monday, Sep 8 at 9:35 AM Linda wrote ...

con't. Welfare was not meant to be a lifestyle. It is an aid until you get on your feet. Get it! stop laying in the bed and sleeping until noon. I see all the new cars parked at wic to get free stuff. NEW CARS, FANCY CLOTHES. HMMM. Wonder how you manage that on Welfare. Maybe your live in boyfriend, drug sales, prostituting. They need to abolish welfare and give the hard working and DESERVING americans a break!

Monday, Sep 8 at 9:31 AM Linda wrote ...

Mish 44. Yes! You are right. Welfare stinks. It was put in place for lazy people who want to be employed on their backs having one kid after the other. How about get a job, get some schooling, help yourself. All welfare recipiants should have to pass a drug screen like you do when you get a job. If you don't pass, you don't get help. There should be a cap on how much you get no matter how many kids you keep having. Must get your GED, must go out and fill out job applications that can be verified

Monday, Sep 8 at 9:20 AM jen sb wrote ...

That is probably what is going on in the Kohl's parking lot on the south end of Bouth Bend. I have been approached twice to buy candy for a church "fundraiser". This is not how our church raises money, and not very safe for those 3 children.

Sunday, Sep 7 at 11:07 PM Chris wrote ...

To Mish44: No one owes you diddly. Why should the taxpayer feed people? Why should the taxpayer buy your toothpaste and deodorant? I have no problem helping people in true need. BUT: if quit school, changes jobs every 2 months, come in late and call in sick when you do work, and in general just don't want to hold down a job, what do you need deodorant for?

Sunday, Sep 7 at 4:50 PM anonOmus wrote ...

She should sell some of those food stamps (like anyone will know) and buy a used computer, she can sell on ebay like everyone else and no one is the wiser.

Sunday, Sep 7 at 1:04 PM to Mish 44 wrote ...

What's more impt? Food and a place to live or soap?

Sunday, Sep 7 at 1:03 PM Welfare worker wrote ...

In order to receive food stamps you agree to certain things. Your stamps are only for you. You can sell them, share them, give them away. You can't use them to purchase drugs, tobacco, alcohol, firearms, explosives or illegal items. You can't sell them or use them to obtain money or any other goods/services. She signed an agreement and it is federal law that someone informs her of this. The state can get in trouble if they do not. THAT is why this is a crime. She broke the rules.

Sunday, Sep 7 at 11:27 AM mish44 wrote ...

the whole welfare system stinks-you can get money for food and housing but not for toothpaste,laundry soap,bar soap,shampoo,etc...the only thing wrong with this that I see is she had the children sell the candy as a sponsered fundraiser. Maybe if she just sold it as a convience to people who didn't want to run to the store...after all isn't that American enterprise?

Sunday, Sep 7 at 9:55 AM Anonymous wrote ...

rick prozac may help you with your hatred of Palin. Or are you gonna be the next Lee Harvy

Sunday, Sep 7 at 7:21 AM Anonymous wrote ...

why is this even a crime that would waste the time and effort of the criminal justice system

Sunday, Sep 7 at 4:37 AM rick wrote ...

bristol palin and her kid in a few years?

Saturday, Sep 6 at 5:56 PM anonOmus wrote ...

so how much did they make???

Saturday, Sep 6 at 9:01 AM tom wrote ...

lol....what an idiot

Saturday, Sep 6 at 7:38 AM David wrote ...

this woman made the news?? FOR WHAT??

Saturday, Sep 6 at 5:54 AM AT ITS FINEST wrote ...

Scamming at its finest and at such an early age. Good job mom.

Friday, Sep 5 at 5:22 PM Gene wrote ...

What a role model this parent is.

Friday, Sep 5 at 3:42 PM Anonymous wrote ...

So where are the children?

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