Eight Charged With Felony Counts Of Welfare Fraud

CALIFORNIA—On November 12, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced charges against eight individuals for welfare fraud. $177,233.77 in CalWORKs and Cal Fresh benefits were intended to provide food, housing, employment, clothing, medical, and utility assistance from the Los Angeles Department of Public Social Services (DPSS). Ogi Buyan of Santa Monica received a total of $47,059.77 in CalWORKs cash aid, Cal Fresh, and Housing Assistance between September 30, 2019, and August 12, 2023. Buyan was charged with one felony count of aid by misrepresentation over $950 and seven counts of perjury for falsely applying for aid. Buyan reported, under penalty of perjury, in multiple eligibility documents that she had less than a $100 balance in her checking and savings accounts. Buyan’s combined monthly balance ranged from $60,000 to over $1 million. It is alleged that Rana Salimon, of San Dimas, received $23,255 in aid, while owning a home in Menifee valued at $611,100.

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