ALTAMONT, Duchesne County — Investigators say an Altamont woman misled state officials into believing she was eligible for state medical assistance and food stamps, even though her husband earns about $50,000 a year as a truck driver.
The 33-year-old woman was in 8th District Court in Duchesne on Monday for her initial appearance on 30 third-degree felony counts of theft by deception.
Prosecutors allege in that time Bjorkman received $37,274 in food stamps and Medicaid benefits she was not entitled to because she reported her monthly income as $500.
They also said she also purported to be separated from her husband although he lives next to her trailer, routinely spends time with her and financially supports the family.
Under state eligibility guidelines for food stamps, a household of five can earn no more than $2,334 a month to receive state assistance. According to court records, Bjorkman's husband had a monthly income of $4,250, yet his family received an average of $419 a month in food stamps.
The Duchesne County Sheriff's Department began investigating six months ago, tipped by investigator with the state Department of Workforce Services, said deputy Wade Butterfield.
Bjorkman allegedly told investigators that she applied for Medicaid benefits because she "doesn't like to pay the co-pay" required through her husband's medical insurance for his wife and three children. Court records show that Bjorkman routinely went to the doctor and often had monthly bills of over $800, all paid for by the state.
Bjorkman has repeatedly denied any wrong-doing, saying she didn't know she was breaking the law. Butterfield said, however, that all the paperwork filled out by Bjorkman continually painted a false picture of her finances.
"She almost made this a full-time job," he said. "You don't just sign up for this. There are review hearings to keep track of how much money you make."
According to Butterfield, Workforce Services played a crucial role in the case. "Social services were invaluable. It sends a message that we are not going to tolerate this — fraud is fraud."
The Bjorkman family moved to Altamont about three years ago from West Valley City.
She was assigned a court-appointed attorney. Her preliminary hearing is set for June 21.
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