MADERA COUNTY, Calif. — A former Madera County benefits eligibility worker has been arrested for allegedly stealing over $40,000 in CalFresh benefits, authorities announced.
Leticia Mariscal, 55, is accused of using the identities of more than 15 individuals, including elderly and deceased persons, to fraudulently obtain benefits. Investigators say Mariscal accessed county databases from December 2020 to April 2025 to carry out the scheme.
According to U.S. Attorney Eric Grant, Mariscal allegedly approved benefits in the names of these individuals, printed EBT cards, and used the funds for her personal gain.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, in coordination with the Madera County District Attorney’s Office, conducted the investigation, which led to Mariscal’s arrest. She now faces federal charges related to identity theft and benefits fraud.
