Raleigh, N.C. — A Raleigh woman is accused of lying in order to get nearly $6,500 in public assistance over more than a year, according to arrest warrants.

Sheila Garcia-Penaloza, 28, of 2293 Foxridge Manor, was charged Thursday with felony medical assistance fraud, felony food stamp fraud and misdemeanor public assistance fraud.

The warrants state that Garcia-Penaloza told a case worker that her children's father was not in the house. Court records, though, state that the father was living with her and was gainfully employed.

Investigators state in the warrants that Garcia-Penaloza collected $6,450.84 in public assistance, medical assistance and food stamps between November 2008 and May 2010.

She was placed in the Wake County jail under a $10,000 secured bond. Her first court appearance was set for Monday.

She was also placed under a detainer while the U.S. Immigration and Customs Services investigates her immigration status.

http://www.wral.com/news/news_briefs/story/9025741/