BROWNSTOWN, Ind. — A former Jackson County prosecutor and an employee have been accused of welfare fraud.
Teresa Cantu, 49, and Stephen Pierson, 68, were arrested this week and charged with felony welfare fraud. Pierson served as prosecutor in Jackson County from 2003 to 2007.
Reports indicate Pierson paid Cantu in cash and gave her money for vacations, gymnastic lessons and salon visits for her work at his law firm so it did not affect her public assistance. Cantu also did not disclose income from the sale of two cars while receiving benefits. She collected about $6,500 in benefits from January 2015 – March 2016. Pierson believes there has been a misunderstanding and the matter will be taken care of quickly.
No court date has been set.
