On April 23, 2025, a Fraud Prevention Investigation (FPI) referral was initiated concerning Paloma Raqual Vazquez Estrada, ([DOB redacted]), herein DEFENDANT. The FPI referral was sent by a Human Service Representative of the Debt Establishment Unit. It was alleged that DEFENDANT violated Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health Department rules by not reporting absent parent Elpidio Galindo Cruz (herein E. G. C.) resides in the household at [address omitted] S., Richfield, Hennepin County.
The two of them have three children who also reside with them – V. E., R. V. And R. V. DEFENDANT has been known to the agency since October 2016 when she applied for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the application was denied. On April 19, 2022, DEFENDANT reapplied for SNAP and this is the only public assistance program since April 2022. The Debt Establishment Unit calculated an overpayment and entered a claim regarding DEFENDANT. A Computation of SNAP Overpayment Worksheet was mailed on 6/30/2025 and 7/6/2025; DEFENDANT did not appeal against the overpayment.
The claim was for $16,887. In addition to not claiming E. G. C resides with DEFENDANT, E. G. C. Also was employed by Eco Finishing Company. His income was not considered when calculating benefits, because it was not reported. On 7/6/2025, calculation of overpayments were adjusted. Investigators submitted for a subpoena to retrieve proof of income from ECO Finishing for E. G. C. – they gathered a pay history report from February 2020 through June 2025 and an Employment Eligibility Verification - Department of Homeland Security (Form USCIS I-9) included a copy of a social security card and a permanent resident card for E. G. C. The copy of the Social Security Card does not appear to be a real social security card.
Investigators found the SSN used by E. G. C. Since 2016 matches a D. D. From Michigan. Investigators confirmed the owner of [address omitted] South was C. M. C. M. And lease documentation confirmed DEFENDANT was on the lease along with E. G. C. Since it was first signed in July 2019. The last lease retrieved was May 22, 2025. DEFENDANT continuously applied for SNAP benefits without disclosing E. G. C. Lived with her or was employed. During a phone call with DEFENDANT on June 17, 2025, DEFENDANT initially denied E. G. C. Lived with her, however, once confronted with the investigation, she refused to answer if he lived with her or not.
The Investigator told DEFENDANT that an overpayment will be assessed and DEFENDANT stated she understood and asked how she can start paying the overpayment. To date, no payment has been made. DEFENDANT is currently out of custody.
