"Octomom" Nadya Suleman Charged With Felony Welfare Fraud

Nadya Suleman, the California mother of 14 children known as “Octomom,” has been charged with welfare fraud for allegedly pocketing public assistance payments while failing to report that she earned nearly $30,000 via public appearances and video residuals.

The 38-year-old Suleman has been named in a criminal complaint accusing her of “one count of aid by misrepresentation and two counts of perjury by false application for aid.”

According to Los Angeles prosecutors, Suleman illegally pocketed $16,481 in welfare benefits, including nearly $10,000 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments.

Suleman, who gave birth to octuplets in January 2009, is scheduled to be arraigned Friday on the felony counts. Prosecutors will ask that Suleman’s bail be set at $25,000.

Investigators allege that Suleman filed for public assistance last January and “failed to disclose that she was also getting checks for personal appearances and residuals from videos.” If convicted of the charges, Suleman could face nearly six months in prison.