Release Date: January 7, 2008

Contact: Vinse Gilliam

Deputy Chief Investigator

(805) 477-1650

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Ruby Elizabeth Stirling (DOB 1/28/69), a resident of Simi Valley, was arrested pursuant to a felony warrant for welfare fraud, identity theft, and committing a new felony offense while released on bail. The arrest took place in Simi Valley and was the result of a second investigation by the District Attorney's Bureau of Investigation - Government Fraud Unit into allegations of welfare fraud on the part of Stirling .

The three-count criminal complaint alleges that Stirling received new public assistance benefits over a period of four months. During the period August 2007 through November 2007, Stirling is alleged to have received $1,694 in cash aid and food stamps for which she was not legally eligible. The identity theft allegation is based on Stirling 's use of fraudulent Social Security numbers which were close in proximity to her actual Social Security number.

Stirling was first arrested on October 10, 2006, relating to allegations of receiving more than $9,000 in public assistance funds for which she was not legally eligible. This original criminal complaint was subsequently amended to include allegations of identify theft and perjury. Following her arrest, Stirling was released on a bail bond of $10,000. This case is still pending in the Superior Court and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 14, 2008.

Stirling was arrested on the new charges in Simi Valley without incident on January 4, 2008, and was booked at the Ventura County Sheriff's Department - Pre-Trial Detention Facility. In issuing the warrant for her arrest, Superior Court Judge Kevin McGee set bail at $100,000. If convicted on the new felony welfare fraud, identity theft, and special allegation of committing a new felony while released on bail, Stirling faces a maximum sentence of eight years in state prison.