Tara Elene Weidenbach, 30, Little Falls, was convicted July 29 in Morrison County District Court of one felony count of wrongfully obtaining assistance by false statements.
According to the criminal complaint, on Nov. 20, 2014, an investigator from the Morrison County Sheriff’s Department received a report of welfare fraud stating that Weidenbach had received benefits by falsely claiming to be pregnant.
Weidenbach had submitted a proof of pregnancy form to the county, dated March 27, 2014.
The investigator met with the clinic employee who allegedly signed the document. The employee stated that she did not meet with Weidenbach and was not even in the office that day. She said her signature was clearly forged.
Records from county Social Services showed that Weidenbach had received medical assistance totalling $2,403.28. She had also received food assistance totalling $1,857 and cash assistance totalling $3,351.
The total amount of assistance Weidenbach received, for which she would not have been eligible without claiming to be pregnant, was $7,611.28.
Weidenbach declined to give a statement to law enforcement.
Weidenbach was sentenced to 48 days in jail, with credit for 48 days already served, 10 years probation and $7,746.28, of which $7,611.28 is restitution.