Two North Hills Residents Charged with Welfare Fraud

Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman said in a press release yesterday that two North Hills women were arrested for falsifying their respective public housing applications and charged with felony welfare fraud. Both were given government-subsidized rental assistance. 

According to the press release, Terry Louise Holmes, 51, of North Hills, began receiving rental assistance in September 2002 from the Montgomery County Housing Authority; she said that she lived only with her son and that their sole source of income was through Social Security and child support.  A U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General investigation revealed in August of last year that Holmes did not disclose to the housing authority that her husband also resides in the household. Also, Holmes did not disclose that her husband and son were earning income from 2008 through 2011.

Holmes received $31,965 in subsidized rental assistance, according to the press release.

According to the press release, Megan E. Benson, 40, of North Hills, began receiving rental assistance benefits in 1999 from the Montgomery County Housing Authority. Benson said she lived with her three sons from 2009 to 2011 and that she received no income from wages; the OIG investigation revealed that her boyfriend lived with her during that time. Her boyfriend was earning a consistent income during that time, which was not disclosed to the housing authority.

Benson received $37,800 in subsidized rental assistance, according to the press release. 

The arrest warrants were issued July 9.

In 1996, Benson pled guilty to disorderly conduct and public drunkenness following an arrest in Warminster Township, according to court documents. Holmes does not appear to have a criminal record.

The cases will be prosecuted by the Captain of the Economic Crimes Team, Assistant District Attorney John Walko and Assistant District Attorney Noah Marlier.