Three people are facing a felony charge of public assistance fraud after they allegedly fraudulently obtained benefits from the Schuylkill County Assistance Office.
Last week, the Pennsylvania Office of Inspector General filed charges in District Court in Pottsville against the following:
- Heather Bernitsky, 46, of Tamaqua
- Miguel Nunez, 40, of Shenandoah
- Jessica Diaz, 40, of Cleona, Lebanon County
The IG’s Office says each of the defendants failed to report income from jobs where they worked and obtained either SNAP or Medical Assistance benefits.
Bernitsky allegedly unlawfully obtained $2,826 in SNAP benefits from the Schuylkill County Assistance Office after she misrepresented her income. The income was earned at an employer in New Ringgold between July 17 and Dec. 31, 2024
Nunez allegedly failed to report income from an employer in Wilkes-Barre between Feb. 1 and April 30, 2025. He then obtained Medical Assistance benefits totaling $1,824.49 through the Schuylkill County Assistance Office.
Diaz allegedly misrepresented her income from an employer in New Jersey between Aug. 1, 2024, and Jan. 31, 2025. She allegedly received $6,942 in SNAP benefits through the Schuylkill County Assistance Office, according to court documents.
Each is facing a third-degree felony charge of fraudulent obtainment of food stamps/assistance.
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