Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes announces the sentencing of Carol Austin, 62, of Paterson, New Jersey.
According to a statement released by Passaic County Officials, Carol Austin was charged in an accusation with one count of third-degree Theft and one count of fourth-degree Unauthorized Use of Food Stamp Coupons.
Officials say on March 22, 2018, Ms. Austin entered guilty pleas to both counts before the Hon. Adam E. Jacobs, J.S.C. The accusation alleged that between November 2015 and May 2017 Ms. Austin used food stamp benefits that did not belong to her and that she did not have authorization to use.
Officials say Austin used food stamp funds in an amount exceeding $500. During the timeframe of the offenses, she was employed as a clerk by the Passaic County Board of Social Services and had access to food stamp cards that were turned in by clients or their family members.
According to officials, at the time of the plea, Judge Jacobs entered an order requiring Ms. Austin to forfeit her employment at the Passaic County Board of Social Services and permanently barring her from holding any public office or position of honor, trust or profit within the State of New Jersey. That order was effective immediately.
On today, Ms. Austin was sentenced by Judge Jacobs to a term of probation for five years. She is also required to make restitution to the United States Department of Agriculture for stolen funds in the amount of $9,995.84.
Police arrested Ms. Austin 2017 by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office with the assistance of the North East Regional Office of the Inspector General for the United States Department of Agriculture.
Third degree Theft ranges from $500 up to $75,000, and carries a maximum term of five years in New Jersey State Prison. Fourth degree Unauthorized Use of Food Stamp Coupons involves the value of $150 or more and carries a maximum term of eighteen months in New Jersey State Prison.