Portland, Ore. – Lynnette Marie Cobb, 56, Portland, appeared on January 8, 2009, before United States Magistrate Janice M. Stewart on charges of food stamp benefit fraud and theft of government property. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment. Cobb was released pending trial, which has been scheduled for March 10, 2009.
The indictment alleges that Cobb stole Oregon Trail food stamp benefits while she was an employee of Multnomah County, Aging and Disability Services. The food stamp benefits stolen by Cobb were intended for clients of Aging and Disability Services who qualified for federal food stamp benefits. At Cobb’s initial appearance in federal court, the prosecutor informed the judge that the investigation to date has revealed Cobb stole between $5,000 and $10,000 in food stamp benefits. Cobb is no longer employed by Multnomah County.
“Most government employees serve the public with integrity and honesty. However, when public servants violate the people’s trust and turn to corruption, this office will prosecute them vigorously,” said United States Attorney Karin J. Immergut. The criminal investigation into Cobb’s actions was led by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General and the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.
An indictment is only an allegation a crime, and a defendant should be presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig J. Gabriel.
