Aurora woman admits to lying for food stamps

A 58-year-old Aurora woman has pleaded guilty to illegally collecting food stamps and medical benefits by claiming her grandchildren as dependents.

Jurline Price, of the 2000 block of Fox Pointe Drive, was charged with lying on applications to the Illinois Department of Human Services by noting that her two grandchildren were dependents who lived with her. As a result, she received $12,097 in food stamps and $23,330.78 in medical benefits between Oct. 11, 2003, and Sept. 14, 2007, Kane County prosecutors said.

Authorities said Price’s grandchildren never lived with her and were never in her care, and without dependent children, she was ineligible for any benefits.

Officials also said Price failed to report income on her state forms after successfully obtaining employment — which would have reduced her benefit amount.

She was formally charged with one count of felony theft.

Price was sentenced to 2 1/2 years of probation and must perform 50 hours of community service. She is also required to repay the state the total amount of money in food stamps and medical benefits.