Pelican Rapids Woman Charged in $11K Fraud Case

PELICAN RAPIDS, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) — A Pelican Rapids woman faces two felony charges in Otter Tail County.

Amela Halilovic is charged with theft by false representation and perjury. The charges were filed in Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial District.

The complaint alleges an inaccurate health care renewal caused an $11,693.39 Medical Assistance overpayment.

The allegations have not been proven in court. Halilovic is presumed innocent unless found guilty.

Income Allegedly Left Off Renewal Form

Court documents state Halilovic signed a Minnesota Health Care Program renewal form in December 2023.

The form was received by Otter Tail County Human Services on December 7, 2023.

Prosecutors allege the renewal did not list all required employment income. The form also allegedly omitted income earned by her children.

The complaint states Halilovic had worked for an unnamed employer for several years. That job was not listed on the renewal.

Investigators also found that one child earned reportable income during 2023, according to the complaint.

Halilovic spoke with a fraud investigator on April 2, 2025. A Bosnian interpreter helped during the interview.

She reportedly said she did not know the income needed to be listed.

Halilovic said another person helped her complete the paperwork. She also denied trying to withhold documents.

The investigator said the missing income made the children ineligible for Medical Assistance.

The alleged improper coverage continued from January 2024 through March 2025.

Halilovic reportedly said she was willing to repay benefits received during any ineligible months.

The theft charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. It also carries a possible $20,000 fine.

The perjury charge carries up to five years in prison. A conviction could also bring a $10,000 fine.

Readers can review Minnesota’s theft statute and perjury statute through the Minnesota Revisor’s Office.

Public court information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.