TWO CHARGED WITH WELFARE FRAUD

News Release from Hawaii Attorney General November 14, 2017

HONOLULU – Attorney General Doug Chin today announced welfare fraud charges have been filed in unrelated cases against Rowaena Baker and Lucyma Maifea.

Attorney General Doug Chin said, “Public assistance benefits must go to people who need them and legitimately qualify. Sadly, some abuse the system.”

Baker, a 35-year old Aiea resident, is charged with first degree theft. The complaint against her alleges that between May 1, 2014 and April 30, 2017, she applied for and received public assistance benefits to which she was not entitled. This resulted in the Department of Human Services (DHS) making more than $20,000.00 in overpayments to Baker.

Maifea, a 41-year old Waianae resident, is also charged with first degree theft. The complaint against her alleges that between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2014, she applied for and received public assistance benefits to which she was not entitled. This resulted in DHS making more than $20,000.00 in overpayments to Maifea.

First degree theft is a Class B felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $25,000.00 fine.

Baker and Maifea are each presumed innocent unless and until found guilty of the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. Copies of the complaints (felony informations) are attached.

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PDF: Text of Complaints