TOPEKA –  Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman for fraud in the food stamp assistance or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

On August 24, The  Kansas Department for Children and Families’ (DCF) Anti-Fraud Unit’s work paid off. Stephanie Hessling of Clay County, pleaded guilty to defrauding the State of more than $50,000 worth of  SNAP program benefits.

DCF Special Investigator Laura Lindsey led the investigation on the Hessling’s case. As a special investigator, some of her duties include speaking to employers, neighbors, co-workers or anyone else with knowledge of the accused person. She also examines documents, such as bank records and wages. Lindsey says working fraud cases is gratifying, especially when it leads to a conviction.

“There is only so much money available for government-funded programs, such as food and cash assistance,” said Lindsey. “Assuring that these resources are in fact given to Kansans in need, versus those who are misrepresenting their situations for personal gain, is very important to me.”

In State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2017, the Anti-Fraud Unit obtained more than 249 fraud judgments in the SNAP program. These DCF fraud findings resulted in more than $1.4 million in judgments. Additionally, in Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2014, Kansas ranked second in the nation in the number of SNAP judgments obtained. Then again in FFY 2015, Kansas ranked third nationwide in the number of SNAP judgments. FFY 2016 and FFY 2017 rankings are not currently available.

“Protecting the integrity of our public assistance programs is a priority for this Administration, and I am proud of the diligent efforts of our Anti-Fraud Unit,” said DCF Secretary Phyllis Gilmore. “I especially want to commend Special Investigator Laura Lindsey for her efforts to end this specific crime in Clay County.”

In July, the Anti-Fraud Unit strengthened its efforts to combat welfare benefits by offering an online submission form to report suspected incidents of fraud. Those who suspect benefits fraud are encouraged to fill out the “Fraud Report Form” online at www.dcf.ks.gov. You can also call 800-432-3913. Those who report fraud may remain anonymous.

WICHITA — A Kansas woman pleaded guilty Tuesday to a federal charge of embezzling more than $213,000 from the bank where she worked, according to U.S. Attorney Tom Beall.

Debra J. Nading, 59, Oswego, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of theft by a bank employee. In her plea, she admitted the crime occurred while she worked as an assistant cashier and bookkeeping supervisor for the Labette Bank in Parsons, Kan.

She used her access to the bank’s credit card accounts to make false entries to cover up the theft.

KANSAS CITY  (AP) — Jackson County officials charged a 22-year-old man in the shooting deaths of two men and say he is suspected in three other killings along south Kansas City trails.

Fredrick Demond Scott was charged Tuesday with two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of armed criminal action in the deaths of 57-year-old Steven Gibbons and 54-year-old John Palmer. Prosecutors said DNA evidence connected him to the victims.

Gibbons was shot and killed August. Prosecutors say police found surveillance video showing Scott follow Gibbons off a Kansas City trail. Palmer was found dead Aug. 19, 2016 in a wooded area near the Indian Creek Trail.

Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said Scott is also a suspect in three other killings along the Indian Creek and Blue River trail systems.

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Beauties and Beasts, Inc., a state-licensed 501c3 volunteer animal rescue group located in Wichita is leaving for Houston Friday to deliver supplies and bring animals home from the overflowing shelters in the Texas flood, according to the firm’s social media page.

The organization reported they need many foster families for animals. Boarding dogs need to be relocated to make room for the intake and distribution of incoming Harvey dogs. Harvey Dogs and cats will need placement with approved fosters on arrival.

You will need to be an approved dedicated Foster to help, please Submit an application ASAP www.beautiesandbeasts.org

Rescues or Shelters that can intake some of the incoming animals and help make room for more.

SUPPLIES: Kennels, Plastic & Wire of all sizes, Blankets, small throw type, Food (Dog & Cat) Can & Dry, Gallon Jugs of Water, Cat Litter, Bleach/Disinfectant, Paper Towels

Items can be Dropped off items through Thursday at Beauties & Beasts Building, 136 S Pattie, Wichita Ks 67211