MILWAUKEE, WI — Iesha Frazier-Christie, a former employee of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), has been sentenced to two-and-a-half years of probation for her role in a theft from the state’s FoodShare benefits program.
Frazier-Christie pleaded guilty in June to two felony counts — misconduct in public office and theft — while two additional charges were dismissed but considered during sentencing.
The case dates back to September 2022, when a FoodShare recipient reported being unable to use their benefits. An investigation revealed the funds were fraudulently accessed while Frazier-Christie was working at the Marcia P. Coggs Human Services Building as a case manager.
Court records show that a phone linked to Frazier-Christie’s own public assistance account was used to change the victim’s account PIN. Shortly after, more than $7,200 in purchases were made using the stolen benefits, mostly at Walmart and Amazon. While some funds were refunded, the total amount stolen exceeded $6,600.
Authorities believe that uncharged accomplices were also involved in the scheme.
The FoodShare program is designed to help low-income individuals and families afford food. DHS emphasized that protecting public resources is critical and that the misuse of such programs undermines their mission to fight hunger.
