Nadya Suleman, aka 'Octomom,' Charged With Welfare Fraud

by uInterviewJanuary 15, 2014, 12:00 amNews >

Nadya Suleman, known publicly as ‘Octomom,’ has been charged with welfare fraud after allegedly failing to report earnings from work as a stripper and in adult film while applying for welfare.

Suleman, 38, earned a place in cultural history when she birthed octuplets in 2009, making her a single mother of 14 children. A polarizing figure, Suleman appeared in countless television interviews and her fertility doctor, Michael Kamrava, came under scrutiny and eventually had his medical license revoked as a result of his work with Suleman.

Nadya Suleman Charged With 3 Counts Of Welfare Fraud

According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Suleman has been charged with “one count of aid by misrepresentation and two counts of perjury by false application for aid.”

Suleman reportedly failed to report various incomes from public appearances, performing at a strip club in Florida and her career in adult films. Suleman spoke openly about this work during an appearance on Oprah Winfrey’s show “Where Are They Now?”

“I did it obviously to provide for my family,” Suleman said at the time.

According to Gina Rodriguez, a rep for Suleman, Suleman’s strip club stint was simply a one-night-only promotional event for her adult film, which was released in June.

Suleman’s money issues have been no secret either. In May, she filed for bankruptcy, but the case was denied due to a problem with the paperwork. Meanwhile, Suleman allegedly failed to report about $30,000 in earnings during the first six months of 2013 and, as a consequence, received $16,481 in welfare during that period of time.

“While applying for public aid, the mother of 14 children allegedly failed to disclose that she was also getting checks for personal appearances and residuals from videos,” reads Los Angeles District Attorney Jackie Lacey’s statement.

Suleman has been ordered to appear in court on Friday, Jan. 17 for arraignment, where she will be accused of illegally obtaining $6,667 from CalWorks financial assistance and $9,814 from CalFresh food aid. Bail is expected to be set at $25,000. If convicted, Suleman could face a prison sentence of over five years.

– Olivia Truffaut-Wong

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