Vernon Woman Facing Felony Larceny Charge In State Benefits Fraud Investigation

VERNON, CT — A 42-year-old Vernon woman is facing a felony larceny charge as part of an investigation into state benefits fraud, state police said.

On July 25, a warrant was served to Natasha McLain charging her with first-degree larceny and making a false statement.

According to a warrant, the fraud involved both daycare costs through the state's Care 4 Kids program and food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition, or SNAP program.

McLain is accused in a warrant of reporting herself as living alone with children, when, in fact, she was sharing a residence with their father.

The household income was greater than the eligibility threshold, according to a warrant.

The tab on first-degree larceny in Connecticut is at least $20,000. A person also can be charged with the crime after obtaining property through extortion, or defrauding a public community with property valued at more than $2,000.

Conviction can result in a prison sentence of one to 20 years and fines up to $15,000.

She posted a $5,000 bond and is due in court on Aug. 7, records show.