On October 23, 2025, detectives of the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into welfare fraud regarding Riley Michael Cullifer, born on [DOB REDACTED]. Detectives reviewed benefit applications and learned that Mr. Cullifer had reported that he has been living at an address located in the City of Hastings, Dakota County, Minnesota since May 31, 2022 and paying $500 in monthly rent. Detectives further noted that Mr. Cullifer had a mailing address located in the City of Prescott, Wisconsin, and that benefits were shown as being used frequently in the City of Prescott.
Mr. Cullifer was approved for MSA and SNAP benefits from the State of Minnesota beginning in June of 2023 and continuing until 2025. Detectives spoke with Mr. Cullifer regarding multiple discrepancies in his form, and Mr. Cullifer reaffirmed that he was living at an address located in the City of Hastings, Minnesota. Detectives then spoke with the landlord of the property in Minnesota who reported that she knew who Mr. Cullifer was and that he has never lived at the address. Detectives then spoke with Mr. Cullifer again and Mr. Cullifer stated that he had asked to use the address in Minnesota so that he could still receive benefits without having to move to Hastings and that he was living in Prescott, Wisconsin.
The detective then spoke with another individual by phone and in the background heard Mr. Cullifer state that the police were now aware that he never lived at the address in Hastings, Minnesota. Through their investigation, detectives determined that Mr. Cullifer has lived in Prescott, Wisconsin, since at least March of 2022. It was determined that since March of 2023, the SNAP benefit program has paid Mr. Cullifer $1,167. It was also determined that Mr. Cullifer received Medical Assistance and Minnesota Supplemental Aid payments during this time.
During the period of January 1, 2025 through July 1, 2025, it was determined that Mr. Cullifer had received at least $3,315 worth of Minnesota Supplemental Aid payment that he was ineligible to receive.
