📍 Becker County, MN – Tya Rose Brinkman, 41, of rural Waubun, has been charged with felony wrongfully obtaining assistance after an investigation revealed unreported income while receiving state aid.
💰 Investigation & Allegations
📅 May 2024: Brinkman reported no personal income, aside from her juvenile son’s $1,030 per month in Social Security benefits.
📑 Reported monthly expenses: $1,134—more than her disclosed income.
📊 Bank records subpoenaed by investigators showed cash and check deposits not reported as income.
💇♀️ Brinkman was allegedly offering hair services for cash payments that were not disclosed.
💵 Total overpaid public assistance: $2,601 in Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) funds from December 2023 – February 2024.
⚖️ Court Appearance & Charges
👨⚖️ Brinkman has been charged with felony wrongfully obtaining assistance.
📅 First court appearance: March 13, before District Court Judge Michelle W. Lawson.
🏛️ If convicted, she could face significant fines, restitution, and potential jail time.
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I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRF News