A Williamsport woman accused of trading state-funded food benefits for heroin is among 64 people charged with welfare fraud by the state Inspector General's Office.



Combined, the defendants ripped the state off to the tune of $285,000, Inspector General Bruce R. Beemer's office reported Monday. The crimes involved misuse of food, day care and medical assistance benefits, he said.



In the Williamsport case, Dana R. Pryor, 25, is accused of selling $107 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to buy $30 worth of heroin, investigators said. If convicted on the misdemeanor fraud charge she could face up to 5 years in prison and would be disqualified from receiving welfare benefits.



Other central Pennsylvania residents who like Pryor are charged with first- and second-degree misdemeanor welfare fraud are Nicole A. Welch, 41, of Pottsville; Gary E. Williams, 39, of Harrisburg; Zuleyka Montes-Santiago, 30, and Amanda L. Hudler, 33, both of Lancaster; Jamie L. Napolitano, 34, and Vanessa L. Miller, 29, both of Tamaqua; Dian G. Boozel, 46, of Mifflin; Monica L. Cole, 35, of York; Mandala Etienne, 46, of Lebanon; Kim Valentin, 49, of Yorkana; Michele L. Hull, 46, of New Oxford;



Midstaters who are facing felony welfare fraud counts are Amanda J. Pioquinto, 34, of Ephrata; Rhonda S. Gingell, 46, of Franklin County; Royce M. Stanley, 37, and Marceau Azor, 39, and Maria Y. Rodriguez, 37, all of Lancaster; Yovanka S. Mercado, 42, of Lebanon; Randy R. Hall, 27, and Jewel Williams, 37, both of Harrisburg; Alina R. Hall, 34, of York; and Laura E. Miller, 32, of Schuylkill Haven.



