The Robert E. Coyle Federal Courthouse in Downtown Fresno. File photo

A former Madera County benefits eligibility worker has been arrested on federal charges alleging she stole tens of thousands of dollars in CalFresh benefits over the last several years, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced Friday.

Leticia Mariscal, 55, of Madera, is accused of using her access to county databases between December 2020 and April 2025 to obtain personal information belonging to elderly or deceased individuals.

According to court reports, she allegedly used the information to approve fake CalFresh accounts, print electronic benefit transfer cards in the names of the victims and spend the deposited funds. 

Prosecutors said Mariscal used the identities of more than 15 people, which resulted in over $40,000 in stolen benefits. CalFresh, formerly known as the food stamp program, provides financial assistance for qualifying Californians to purchase food.

Mariscal was placed on administrative leave earlier this year after her scheme was uncovered. She was arrested after an investigation by the FBI with help from the Madera County District Attorney’s Office.

If convicted, Mariscal faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for theft of benefits as well as an additional two years for identity misuse.