April 9, 2024 |
Photo – Encampment Wyoming – Courtesy Discover Carbon County Wyoming
A Platte Valley couple are facing prison time after being found guilty of defrauding welfare agencies for thousands of dollars.
During a bench trial two weeks ago, 42-year-old Sarah Fitzwater and 40-year-old Matthew Wagy were convicted of multiple counts of defrauding roughly $45,000 from three different federal assistance programs. Both defendants will be sentenced in 90 days.
The Encampment couple were arrested last July following an investigation by the Department of Family Services Eligibility Integrity Unit.
Between 2017 and 2022, Fitzwater is accused of committing 19 counts of fraud against SNAP, the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, and Medicaid.
The defendant claimed to be unemployed and live alone during those five years. All the while, Fitzwater was living together with Wagy.
Wagy is charged with nine counts of fraud against SNAP.
According to court documents from the trial, investigators used photographs the couple posted to a Facebook social media page about their wedding in Cabo, Mexico, their marriage, their generous donations to the local Little League, and by combing through their voter registrations and other forms to build part of the case against the pair.
Both defendants were seen in Carbon County District Court between March 12th and 15th. Wagy was found guilty of all nine counts. Fitzwater had one count dismissed, but was convicted on the remaining 18 charges. Each count comes with a $10,000 fine and up to 10 years in prison.
In 90 days, both Wagy and Fitzwater will be back in District Court for sentencing.
