Greencastle man arrested on welfare fraud charges
GREENCASTLE -- A three-month investigation headed up by Indiana State Police First Sgt. Scott Stockton and Dennis Patton, investigator for the Indiana Department of Workforce Development has led to the arrest of a Greencastle man.
Christopher James Mullins, 26, is being held with bond in the Putnam County Jail, charged with two counts of Class C felony welfare fraud and one count of Class D felony theft.
Mullins turned himself in after finding out a warrant had been issued for his arrest.
Court documents alleged Mullins "initiated and filed claims for unemployment compensation for financial benefits paid directly to him even though he was not eligible."
Investigators said Mullins received those benefits, and the Indiana Department of Workforce Development has calculated the amount Mullins owes Indiana taxpayers to be over $7,000 (which includes any applicable penalties).
"(Mullins) also made the comment during this investigation that he felt the money provided to him by taxpayers was 'a handout,'" a release from the Indiana State Police Putnamville District said.
In March, Mullins pled guilty to charges of Class D felony theft and welfare fraud in connection to a May 2008 incident in which Mullins applied for and was granted unemployment benefits in the name of a former roommate.
Judge Matthew Headley sentenced Mullins to three years on each count to run concurrently, with 243 days executed and the remainder suspended with credit for 42 days spent in jail and 159 days spent on home detention.
Mullins' probation was revoked in that cause when the new charges were filed. He is set to be in court for a pretrial conference on Aug. 5.
Mullins is being represented by Public Defender Melinda Jackman-Hanlin.