Allen County Job and Family Services officials say eight fraud cases have been sent to court since the end of 2024 involving false information used to obtain public assistance benefits.
The cases resulted in more than $160,000 in overpayments, and officials say more investigations are ongoing.
Allen County Job and Family Services (JFS) is recognizing May as Public Assistance Fraud Awareness Month with a clear message to the community: “Fraud Costs All of Us.”
Christopher Lemke is accused of unauthorized use of the law enforcement automated database back in May of 2020. Another incident with the law occurred three months later, where Lemke held his wife and children against their will, according to the Allen County Sherriff’s Office. He was charged with a count of abduction. Lemke and his representation entered a plea deal with the state back in May of this year, which saw him plead guilty to three counts of unauthorized use of a police system, in exchange for the dismissal of all other charges.
