False welfare claims charged against Oak Harbor woman

By JESSIE STENSLAND
Whidbey News Times Assistant editor
December 3, 2010 · Updated 3:07 PM 

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A 42-year-old Oak Harbor woman is accused of lying about her family’s earnings in order to receive welfare, court documents indicate.

Lisa Latta pleaded not guilty in Island County Superior Court Nov. 15 to charges of first-degree theft, second-degree perjury and welfare — false public assistance verification.

Debbie Cheek, an investigator for the Department of Social and Health Services, wrote in a probable cause statement that Latta received $8,710 in financial, medical and food assistance she wasn’t entitled to collect.

The report states that Latta withheld her earnings and husband’s earnings when she applied for assistance.

If convicted of the charges, Latta could face from four months to a year in jail under the standard sentencing range.

Contact Whidbey News Times Assistant editor Jessie Stensland at jstensland@whidbeynewsgroup.com or 360.675.6611 ext. 5056.

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