Commentary by: Today’s fraud is a follow up from my comments on a story I posted last week about the Seattle, WA woman who lived in million dollar home and allegedly collected public housing assistance and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
KGW.com reports that federal housing inspectors had visited the home and knew where she was living. U.S. Housing and Urban Development rules require safety-related “annual inspections” for anyone receiving subsidies to make sure” that the public’s money isn’t going to subsidize dangerous or uninhabitable properties. (Okay, but isn’t a lake-front home an indication that the recipient doesn’t need government assistance?)
The woman was truthful on her application and inspectors were aware that the property was located on the water and included a boat dock. In fact, an inspection report even noted that the home was “above average” and had a “deck, high-end appliances, a Jacuzzi tub and a view.” ($1.2 million dollar value and this is JUST above average?)
As it turns out, the home is actually owned by a Seattle doctor. In applications for housing, cash assistance, and SNAP benefits, the woman indicated that he was her landlord. Investigators believe the couple is married. Neither has been charged as of this date.
