Three Charged With Welfare Fraud

Hazleton City Police have charged three individuals in relation to Fraudulently Obtaining Food Stamps / Assistance.

The three individuals appear to be unrelated.

Damaris Ortiz, 36 of West Hazleton, was charged on May 20th with a misdemeanor count of Fraud Obt Foodstamps/Assistance which occurred on February 29th 2016.

Robert Taft, 36 of Hazle Township, was charged on May 20th with a misdemeanor count of Fraud Obt Foodstamps/Assistance which occurred on September 30th 2015.

Melissa Kokinda, 34 of Hazleton, was charged on May 20th with a felony count of Fraud Obt Foodstamps/Assistance which occurred on December 31st 2015.

All three have preliminary hearings scheduled in front of Magistrate Zola on June 29th 2016.