Woman speaks on welfare fraud accusations

She’s accused of swindling nearly $40,000 from public assistance programs, but April Creasman is denying it all.

"I haven't defrauded anything,” she said.

Creaseman has been getting benefits from Food Stamps, Colorado Works, and Medicaid.    

"I don't feel like anybody is owed those benefits, but if you qualify for them then you should be able to get that assistance," Creasman said.

She says she's qualified for all of them. But a drawn out investigation by Mesa County Department of Human Service concluded she's violated eligibility rules. Investigators say she’s failed to report living with the father of five of her eight kids, who also gives her money.   

"He supported the household financially, yes that's absolutely true,” Creasman said.  “All the bills were in his name and the house was in his name. He just didn't live there."

Human services has wrapped up its investigation. This case is now in the hands of the district attorney. 

After hearing there was a warrant for her arrest, Creasman says she turned herself in.  She was released on Monday from Mesa County Jail after posting a personal recognizance bond.

Creasman is heading to court next week and says she'll stand by what she's always said... she never stole from public assistance.

There’s a long list of felony and misdemeanor charges facing Creasman.

She is temporarily suspended from her benefits until this case is resolved in district court.