Leticia Mariscal, a former benefits eligibility worker for Madera County, was arrested on charges of stealing over $40,000 in CalFresh benefits by using the identities of more than 15 individuals. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Eric Grant.
CalFresh is a program that offers financial assistance to eligible California residents to help them purchase food. It was previously known as the food stamp program.
According to court records, from December 2020 through April 2025, Mariscal accessed county databases available through her job to gather personal information about elderly or deceased individuals. She then approved these individuals for CalFresh benefits without their knowledge, printed EBT cards in their names with deposited funds, and used the proceeds herself. Authorities say she was placed on leave earlier this year when her actions were discovered.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation with support from the Madera County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Mariscal could face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for stealing CalFresh benefits. There is also an additional potential two-year sentence for misusing other people’s identities during the crime. Sentencing will be determined by the court based on statutory factors and federal Sentencing Guidelines that consider various circumstances. The charges are allegations at this stage; Mariscal is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
