Leticia Mariscal, Identity Theft, California 2026

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Leticia Mariscal, Identity Theft, California 2026

A Madera County welfare benefits worker’s years-long scheme to steal identities and CalFresh benefits has come to an end. Leticia Mariscal, 55, of Madera, pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft, announced U.S. Attorney Eric Grant.

CalFresh, a program providing monetary benefits to qualifying California residents to purchase food, has been exploited by Mariscal. She improperly used county databases to obtain identifying information for individuals, including those who were not United States citizens, elderly, or deceased. Mariscal then secretly approved them to receive or continue receiving CalFresh benefits and spent the money on herself and her family members.

Between July 2022 and June 2025, Mariscal stole more than $40,000 from over 15 people. Her scheme involved contacting individuals who were not United States citizens and falsely informing them that they had to provide the county with certain immigration records to continue receiving benefits. This was done to intimidate them into stopping their benefits, allowing Mariscal to take the money for herself.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation, assisted by the Madera County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Barton and Arelis Clemente are prosecuting the case.

Mariscal is scheduled to be sentenced on April 13, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston. Her sentence will be determined at the discretion of the court after considering applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines. Mariscal faces a statutorily required sentence of two years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

The case serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability in government positions, where individuals are entrusted with sensitive information and authority over public programs.

The investigation and prosecution of Mariscal’s scheme have brought justice to the victims, who had their identities and benefits stolen. The outcome also highlights the need for continued vigilance in preventing and detecting such crimes.