7 former state workers charged in food stamp fraud probe

DOVER, Del. -- Authorities say four former state workers have been charged in a fraud scheme involving almost $1 million in food stamp benefits.

Authorities said Tuesday that Detrich Simmons-Heath of Chestertown, Maryland, Kamilah Laws of Wilmington, Jo Ellen Edwards of Felton and Shirlene Davis of Newark were indicted last week on charges of theft, forgery, falsifying business records and official misconduct.

Three other former Department of Health and Social Services workers also have been charged.

Nicole Stevens of Dover was arrested last year on similar charges, as well as unlawful use of a payment card.

Allison Rivera of Dover and Angelette Brown of Camden were both sentenced to probation in April after pleading guilty.

Officials say the women created more than 100 false cases to procure benefit cards used to purchase food.