Release Date: March 17, 2008

Contact:    Vinse Gilliam, Deputy Chief Investigator

(805) 477-1650  

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Connie Ayala (DOB 11/24/44), a resident of Fillmore, was sentenced to serve 180 days in the Ventura County jail following her guilty plea for public housing assistance fraud. The District Attorney's Government Fraud Unit obtained the conviction following an extensive investigation into allegations of Section 8 housing assistance fraud. The investigation revealed Ayala received $45,823 in public housing assistance funds for which she was not legally eligible.

A one-count grand theft complaint alleged that Ayala fraudulently received public assistance benefits over a period of more than 4 1/2 years. During the period February 2003 through October 2007, Ayala is alleged to have received $45,823 in housing assistance for which she was not legally eligible. The basis for the criminal complaint was that Ayala failed to report to the Area Housing Authority that her son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter were living at her residence and the income they received from their employment.

On March 14, 2008, Judge Clark placed Ayala on formal probation for five years, ordered Ayala to serve 180 days in the Ventura County jail, and pay restitution of $45,823 to the Area Housing Authority of Ventura County. Ayala will begin serving her jail sentence on March 21, 2008. Judge Clark also ordered Ayala not to submit any fraudulent or otherwise false documents or information to any agency for the purpose of receiving monetary compensation.