SAN BERNARDINO >> Authorities nabbed 29 people for welfare fraud after a week-long, county-wide effort last week, the District Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday.

The 29 people illegally obtained almost $250,000 in public assistance, the office alleged.

“Convicted offenders could face jail time and be ordered to pay restitution for the money received,” District Attorney Mike Ramos stated in a news release.

The office has made welfare fraud a priority, Ramos said in a video posted to the office’s YouTube page.

“We’ve been through some tough economic times in the past few years,” Ramos said in the video. “Some families need assistance. But there are those who take advantage and commit fraud every day.”

More welfare fraud sweeps are planned throughout San Bernardino County, the news release states.

The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office was assisted in the sweep by San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, San Bernardino County Human Services Department, and police departments from Ontario, Upland, Fontana, Rialto and Colton.