Another case of welfare fraud alleged in little Darby Borough

Cynthia Lewis, accused of OK'ing funding for 6 bogus accounts.
Cynthia Lewis, accused of OK'ing funding for 6 bogus accounts.
By William Bender and Daily News Staff Writer
Posted: August 02, 2012

DARBY BOROUGH in Delaware County seems to be making a name for itself — as Pennsylvania's go-to destination for committing six-figure welfare fraud.

Less than three months after the feds busted the owner of Aunty Florence's West African Food Market on Main Street for allegedly converting food stamps into cash — and keeping a nice cut for herself — state Attorney General Linda Kelly on Wednesday announced the arrest of two former Department of Public Welfare employees for allegedly stealing nearly $300,000 in public-assistance benefits.

Cynthia Lewis, 47, of Lansdowne, and Ivan Jones, 43, of Philadelphia, were income- maintenance caseworkers at the DPW office in Darby.

"Public-assistance benefits are intended to aid Pennsylvania residents struggling to feed and support their families," Kelly said. "These individuals not only corrupted that system and stole taxpayer funds for their own personal gain, but literally took money and food from the mouths of families in need."

The grand jury alleged that Lewis approved funding for more than $250,000 in benefits — food stamps, medical benefits and "special cash allowances" — for six bogus accounts that she fabricated and maintained. She allegedly spent the money on cruises and gambling jaunts.

Jones is accused of using the names and personal information of existing welfare recipients to send EBT cards to locations in Delaware County. Surveillance videos showed him then using the cards to withdraw money from those accounts, Kelly said.

Contact William Bender at 215-854-5255 or benderw@phillynews.com. Follow on Twitter @wbender99 and read his blog, philly.com/dailydelco.

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