Staff Report

PERRY COUNTY-Attorney General Troy King announced recently the convictions of two women in Perry County Circuit Court, both on charges of welfare fraud.

“Accountability in state government begins with being a good steward of the taxpayers funds,” King said. “When people lie to receive welfare benefits to which they are not entitled they are committing a crime against the State, the taxpaying public and those who are truly deserving of welfare benefits. I take seriously my responsibility as Attorney General to protect the public funds on behalf of the people of Alabama and pledge to prosecute those who break the law by abusing the welfare system.”

Gladys Scott, 37, of Marion pleaded guilty Oct. 31 to third-degree theft of property in the amount of $3,708. She was sentenced to one year of imprisonment, which was suspended, and placed on probation for two years. The court ordered her to pay full restitution to the State of Alabama.

Gloria Norfleet, 29, of Uniontown pleaded guilty Oct. 31 to third degree theft of property in the amount of $1,147. She was sentenced to one year of imprisonment, which was suspended and placed on probation for two years. The court ordered her to pay full restitution to the State of Alabama.

King commended Assistant Attorney General Ferris Stephens and Special Investigator Larry Chambers for their work in handling these cases.

King also thanked the Department of Human Resources for its assistance in preparing information and referring the matter to the Attorney General’s office for review and appropriate action, noting in particular, Alvin Reed, director of the Perry County Department of Human Resources, Evelyn Miree, food stamp supervisor, Lasonya Dudley, caseworker, Joyce Buckanan, claims worker, east Alabama Regional claims unit.

King also thanked Perry County District Attorney Michael Jackson’s office for its assistance.

Reed stated he was very happy with the investigation.

“I am pleased that the Attorney General pursues prosecution in these cases,” Reed said. “I hope this will be a deterrent to other food stamp recipients who might consider providing false household information to their caseworkers to obtain benefits they are not entitled to.”

The Perry County cases are part of a continuing statewide effort by King to aggressively investigate and prosecute welfare fraud. Prosecutions are pending in 31 counties including Hale.