It's jail for welfare cheating ID thief

HARRISBURG

- A Philadelphia man who authorities say used multiple identities to illegally collect public-assistance benefits worth $359,000 has been sentenced to more than a year behind bars.

The state inspector general's office said yesterday that Gregory William Miller, 64, pleaded guilty to welfare fraud and was sentenced by a Philadelphia judge to serve 15 to 30 months at Graterford state prison.

He also was ordered to pay $50 a month toward restitution, fines and court costs.

Authorities say Miller used as many as 10 names and addresses to fraudulently obtain cash assistance, food stamps and medical assistance benefits between 2001 and 2009.

Inspector General Michael Sprow, whose office is responsible for investigating such cases, said welfare fraud is not a victimless crime and won't be treated as such.

"I am proud of the diligent work performed by the Office of Inspector General, in cooperation with the Philadelphia Police Department, and the Philadelphia district attorney to bring this individual to justice," Sprow said.

- Associated Press