Why The Octomom Welfare Fraud Prosecution Is Idiotic
Octomom is accused of failing to report $30,000 in earnings in one year which allowed her to continue to receive welfare benefits for her family of 14. She didn't earn enough the year before or after to violate the rule. An investigation was launched after tabloids publicly reported her income. She faces five years in jail if convicted.
Already the state has spent about $25K in the investigation. If the case goes to trial the state will spend another $50K minimum.
According to an LA Times article, the CA the government sets aside about $2000 per child per month in foster care. That includes about $800 per month that goes to the foster parent. If Nadya is convicted of the crime and sentenced to the maximum her kids would likely end up in foster care. 14 kids. 60 months. 840 months total at $2000 per month. $1,680,000.00 is how much the taxpayers of California would have to pay. Minimum. Many of the kids are special needs children and require expensive care. Plus, the 14 kids would be split. Plus the children would be in danger of increased abuse and many other factors that can't be calculated.
There is also the cost of incarcerating and then the parole and probation of Octomom. There will be the additional costs of hearings after her release to get her children back. Potentially, taxpayers are looking at millions of dollars out of their pockets for her making an extra $30,000 in one year. Ridiculous. I understand the need to punish the crime but someone needs to look at this realistically and not just grab for headlines.
