Since these are Federal Funds too, were these child abusers brought up on
Federal charges for defrauding the Federal Government?


3 Women Charged With Stealing Public Assistance Money From DCF

Violet Jones, 41, of Miramar, a DCF supervisor,,stealing more than $1.5
million in state assistance money

Jones allegedly diverted to her own home a debit-type card that is used by
public assistance recipients and was tied to a real account


POSTED: 5:09 pm EST December 7, 2007

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- A state Department of Children and Families ("DCF")
employee and two other women have been charged with stealing more than $1.5
million in state assistance money.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement said Friday that Violet Jones, 41,
of Miramar, a DCF supervisor in Plantation, was charged with grand theft,
fraud,
identity theft, misconduct and money laundering, among other charges.

Jones allegedly diverted to her own home a debit-type card that is used by
public assistance recipients and was tied to a real account. Investigators
say she then
authorized extra cash benefits to be deposited into the unknowing
recipient's account, then withdrew cash using the card. Jones worked for DCF
for 22 years.

Also charged in the case were sisters Shanika Shorter, 25, and Tanisha
Shorter, 22, both of Fort Lauderdale.

The trio also allegedly used public assistance benefits accounts in Shanika
Shorter's name to siphon state money, investigators said.

"These programs are vital to needy families throughout Florida and any abuse
of the state's system will be uncovered and we will seek full prosecution of
the people involved," said DCF Secretary Bob Butterworth, whose agency
worked with law enforcement on the case. Jones was fired Friday.

Jones and both Shorters remained in custody Friday afternoon and couldn't be
reached for comment, Broward County sheriff's officials said. Sheriff's
officials also said it couldn't be determined whether they had hired
lawyers.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All rights
reserved.