Press Releases
12/11/2019
Meriden Woman Charged with Scamming Public Assistance Programs
A Meriden woman was arrested today and charged with stealing approximately $16,579 from four programs financed by the Connecticut Department of Social Services by filing false and/or grossly inaccurate benefit applications and forging supporting documents.
NICOLE RONDEAU, age 36, of 37 David Drive, Meriden, was arrested by Inspectors from the Statewide Prosecution Bureau of the Chief State's Attorney's Office on a warrant charging her with Larceny in the First Degree and Forgery in the First Degree.
According to the arrest warrant, Rondeau received approximately $16,579 in benefits by submitting fraudulent applications and forging supporting documentation, which included not reporting her husband as a household member and failing to report his earned income, which would have made them ineligible for benefits.
The warrant alleges Rondeau received $4,962 from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), $5,352 from Care4Kids, $5,610 from Husky Medicaid and $780 from the Connecticut Energy Assistance program that she was not entitled to receive.
Rondeau was released on a $20,000 non-surety bond and is scheduled to appear in Meriden Superior Court, G.A. No. 7, on December 23, 2019. The charges are merely accusations and she is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Larceny in the First Degree is a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000 fine. Forgery in the First Degree is a felony punishable by up to 20 years and a fine of up to $10,000.
The case is being prosecuted by the Statewide Prosecution Bureau.