Red Rock On Air

Chisago County Attorney Janet Reiter and Sheriff Todd Rivard have announced that they have increased their emphasis on the investigation and prosecution of public assistance fraud in Chisago County.  Early this year Health and Human Services Director Mary Sheehan entered into an agreement with the Sheriff’s Department whereby Sheriff Rivard would assign an investigator to specifically perform the function of ferreting out recipient fraud in the public assistance programs administered by Chisago County.

For the County Attorney’s part, Reiter has pledged vigorous prosecution on those cases submitted by the Sheriff’s Department.  More than ten (10) cases have been issued since the beginning of 2009.  Two (2) notable cases alleging public assistance recipient fraud totaling over $140,000 have been charged in the past two (2) months.

Richard D. Launderville, age 61, of North Branch, is alleged to have received public assistance between February and October, 2008, and failed to report that he was working and receiving income.

Minda Kay Schleicher, age 30, is alleged to have received over $137,000 in public assistance between September, 2008, and February, 2009, to which she was not entitled.  Sheriff’s Department investigators determined that, although Schleicher claimed to reside in Chisago County during that period of time, she and her husband lived in a rented house in Siren, Wisconsin.

Both cases are currently pending trial in Chisago County District Court.