A Twin Falls woman has been nailed for a five-year benefit scam that ripped off taxpayers for more than $107,000. Jenna Nichole Castaneda, 30, was sentenced to five years of probation after pleading guilty to knowingly defrauding federal and state assistance programs from 2013 to 2018.
Court records show Castaneda repeatedly lied to the Social Security Administration, underreporting and falsifying her husband’s income to qualify for Supplemental Security Income benefits. As a result, she collected $42,451.41 in SSI payments for herself and her child—money she was never entitled to receive.
But the scam didn’t stop there. Castaneda also filed false applications with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, misrepresenting household income to secure Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), and Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled benefits. Those fraudulent claims added another $64,842.22 to her illegal take, bringing the total to $107,293.73.
Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye ordered Castaneda to pay full restitution of $107,293.73. The sentence sends a clear message: exploiting public assistance programs for personal gain comes with consequences, even if prison time is avoided.
“Castaneda’s criminal conduct lasted for five years, undermining SSA’s mission to provide for the vulnerable among us,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael M. Gonzalez, Jr. “I commend the investigators for their steadfast commitment to ensuring justice in this case.”
Law enforcement agencies slammed Castaneda’s actions as a betrayal of the system. “Her false statements are not only criminal, but led to her fraudulently receiving $42,451 in SSI benefits,” said Christian Assaad, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration OIG. “The SSI program is needs-based—we will pursue those who game it.”
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Key Facts
- State: Idaho
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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