A former Madera County benefits eligibility worker pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft for stealing personal information and fraudulently obtaining CalFresh benefits, federal prosecutors announced this week.
Leticia Mariscal, 55, of Madera, used her access to county databases between July 2022 and June 2025 to obtain identifying information for non-citizens, elderly individuals, and deceased people, according to court records.
Mariscal faces a mandatory two-year prison term and a possible fine of up to $250,000.
She then improperly approved or continued CalFresh benefits in their names, issued EBT cards, and spent the funds on herself and family members.
Prosecutors said Mariscal sometimes contacted non-citizens and falsely claimed they needed to submit immigration documents to keep receiving benefits, causing them to stop using the accounts while she diverted the funds.
Authorities said Mariscal stole more than $40,000 from at least 15 people.
The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the Madera County District Attorney’s Office.
Mariscal is scheduled to be sentenced April 13, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston.
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