A Toronto woman and former Region of Peel employee is facing fraud charges after an investigation involving a spiritual healer and false claims being made for benefits totalling $50,000.

The accused woman worked as a case worker for the Ontario Works Assistance Program for the Region of Peel from Aug. 21, 2009 to June 6, 2014 before being terminated, police said.

She was charged after police allege a Region of Peel employee issued funds to people who met specific legislated criteria for eligibility in receiving “monetary benefits” and allege people were “manipulated” into making false claims for benefits offered by the Region of Peel.

The Peel employee would personally approve the cases and receive “personal monetary gain” from them, police said in a release.

Officers also say the employee introduced clients to her husband who posed as a spiritual healer and would offer his services to these clients and receive payment.

Police say the Region of Peel employee “benefitted financially” and “misused her authority” as she had access to her husband’s case file and “issued him funds he was not eligible for.”

Police say the total amount of funds involved in the fraud is $50,000.

None of the allegations have been proven in court.

Sandra Samaroo, 50, of Toronto, is charged with fraud over $5,000 and breach of trust. Her common law spouse, Mootilal Ramphal, 57, of Toronto, is charged with fraud over $5,000.

Anyone with information can call police at 905-453-2121, ext. 3330. Information can also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or by visiting their website at www.peelcrimestoppers.ca, or by sending a text message to CRIMES (274637) with the word “Peel” and then your tip.