Courts & Law

Mom, daughter charged in welfare fraud

A MOTHER and daughter from Westminster have been arrested for welfare fraud (Shutterstock).

ERRICA MADKINS MICKENS (OCDA photos).

A mother and daughter from Westminster have been charged with felony welfare fraud charges valued at $190,000.

Errica Madkins Mickens, 55, and Brittany Monet Mickens, 29, were arrested on Thursday by investigators from the Orange County District Attorney’s Public Assistance Division.

They are accused of taking funds from the Orange County Housing Authority (Section 8) and the county’s In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) for which they were not eligible.

BRITTANY MONET MICKENS

Each was charged with one felony count of grand theft public housing fraud, one felony count of grand theft of housing funds, one felony count of medical insurance fraud of IHSS and one felony count of grand theft of IHSS funds. There are also four enhancements for aggravated white collar crime over $100,000 and under $500,000.

They face up to eight years in state prison if convicted of all charges.  Bail was set at $190,000 each.

According to the OCDA, Errica Mickens claimed to be disabled and bedridden, and Brittany her caregiver. But the mother was observed moving trash cans, moving vehicle tires. driving, shopping and handling large suitcases.

Additionally, they recently flew to Europe and posted a photo of them riding a roller coaster in Disneyland Paris.

The Westminster Police Department participated in the investigation.

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