Sixteen Philadelphia residents are facing charges, accused of scamming the state welfare system out of $330,000.
The Attorney General's office says the fraud originated at the Philadelphia County Assistance office and centers around Kyshima Montgomery, a clerical worker there.
The Attorney General's office says it started an investigation after the Department of Public Welfare noticed a large amount of "Special Allowances of One Time Issuance" being performed at the West District office.
This type of allowance is electronically transferred to the welfare recipient's account and allows them to withdraw money using a debit card, according to the A.G.'s office.
Montgomery, of 2934 N. Judson St., Philadelphia, is accused of conspiring with 15 others to put money into their accounts, and investigators say she would withdraw most of the money for herself and would share the rest of the stolen money.
The people did not qualify for this type of financial assistance, investigators say.
A trial date for Montgomery is set for December 16, 2013. She is charged with theft by deception, unlawful use of a computer and criminal conspiracy, among other charges.
Here is the list of the co-conspirators charged in "Operation Special Allowances:"
Tyria Williams, 24, 1820 S. 19th St., Philadelphia, is charged with one count each of theft by deception and criminal conspiracy.
Gail Floyd, 22, 3803 Brandywine St., Philadelphia, is charged with nine counts each of theft by deception and criminal conspiracy.
Hakeema Brown, 27, 1221 N. 53rd St., Philadelphia, is charged with one count each of theft by deception and criminal conspiracy.
Rasheda Alexander, 25, 3939 Ludlow St., Philadelphia, is charged with one count each of theft by deception and criminal conspiracy.
April Barrett, 24, 3803 Brandywine St., Philadelphia, is charged with one count each of theft by deception and criminal conspiracy.
Myesha Williams, 21, 2530 N. Garnet St., Philadelphia, is charged with one count each of theft by deception and criminal conspiracy.
Tori Camp, 21, 3803 Brandywine St., Philadelphia, is charged with one count each of theft by deception and criminal conspiracy.
Demetrius Byrant, 26, 2513 N. 19th St., Philadelphia, is charged with two counts of criminal conspiracy and one count of theft by deception.
Patrice Cousar, 23, 4726 N. Camac St., Philadelphia, is charged with one count each of theft by deception and criminal conspiracy.
Anthony Thomas, 48, 2215 W. Sergeant St., Philadelphia, is charged with one count each of theft by deception and criminal conspiracy.
Crystal Mumford, 30, 301 Queen Lane, Apt. 803, Philadelphia, is charged with three counts of criminal conspiracy and two counts of theft by deception.
Takara Oates, 35, 1829 Tulpehocken St., Philadelphia, is charged with two counts of criminal conspiracy and one count of theft by deception.
Dominique Williams, 25, 1227 N. 60th St., Philadelphia, is charged with two counts of theft by deception and one count of criminal conspiracy.
Karim Whitfield, 34, 324 Van Kirk St., Philadelphia, is charged with two counts of criminal conspiracy and one count of theft by deception.
Keith Northington, 47, 1421 W. Pacific St., Philadelphia, is charged with two counts of criminal conspiracy and one count of theft by deception.
