KINGMAN – A Kingman woman who admits involvement in the theft of almost $90,000 in benefits from the state of Arizona has until September 18 to report to the Mohave County Adult Detention Center. Judge Doug Camacho has ordered that Kimberly Clark, 42, must serve a 90-day jail sentence and three year’s probation.
Clark told Camacho she engaged in the fraudulent activity over six years to help support her struggling family, not in pursuit of lavish expenditures.
“I didn’t mean to do anything wrong. I’ve never been in trouble, ever,” Clark said. “I’m very sorry your Honor.”
Clark pleaded guilty to attempted fraud and theft charges to resolve her criminal case short of trial. She was also ordered to reimburse the state for loss of $89,577.96.
“I don’t know how you will be able to do it, but somehow you’ll have to find a way to pay the restitution,” Judge Camacho said. He further noted that case co-defendant Brian Clark, 47, would also be responsible for his share of restitution if he is convicted.
Mr. Clark currently awaits trial allegedly defrauding the Arizona State Health Care Cost Containment System and Department of Economic Security to receive food stamp benefits illegally.
Prosecutor Evan Malady told Judge Camacho that Mrs. Clark omitted her co-defendant’s income from her food stamp application to keep household income under the eligibility threshold. He said Mrs. Clark would not have been eligible for food stamps if she would have included Mr. Clark’s income on the application paperwork.
- Dave Hawkins