A former Bigfork, Minnesota, man pleaded guilty after officials said he received more than $100,000 in assistance while misrepresenting his work and income for years.
Michael John Marick, 64, who now lists a Champlin address, pleaded guilty in Itasca County Court to wrongfully obtaining public assistance, according to the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office.
Officials said Marick received Medical Assistance and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits from April 2014 until September 2023. During that period, he was also operating two businesses, according to Lakeland PBS.
The Case Covered Nearly a Decade of Payments
Marick first applied for the aid through Itasca County in April 2014, Lakeland PBS reported. Prosecutors said the problem was not that he applied once, but that he continued receiving assistance while giving inaccurate information about his employment status and monthly income.
The case involved more than $100,000 over roughly nine-and-a-half years. Officials said the false information allowed Marick to keep qualifying for programs meant to help people who meet income and eligibility rules.
Marick Admitted He Was Guilty
As part of the plea agreement, Marick admitted he was “definitely guilty” of wrongfully obtaining assistance, according to Lakeland PBS.
He pleaded guilty to one count involving more than $35,000. Court documents cited by the station said the parties agreed to a two-year stay of imposition, and a second count will be dismissed under the plea agreement.
Income Changes Can Affect Eligibility
People receiving SNAP, Medical Assistance, or other public aid should keep records of wages, self-employment income, business ownership, bank accounts, household members, rent, utilities, and agency notices.
When income changes, a business starts earning money, household resources shift, or employment status changes, recipients should contact the county or state office directly and ask how the update must be reported. Written proof of any correction or agency response should be saved.
What To Save if a Benefits Record Is Wrong
Recipients who believe they made an error should contact the agency, explain the issue, and keep copies of pay records, tax documents, business records, bank statements, benefit notices, letters, emails, and confirmation numbers.
Suspected public assistance fraud in Minnesota can be reported to the Minnesota Department of Human Services Office of Inspector General. DHS lists 651-431-2650 and 800-657-3750 for fraud reports, along with an online fraud-reporting option.