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Woman Wanted for Public Assistance Fraud Turns Herself In

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - A woman wanted for almost $25,000 in alleged public assistance fraud has turned herself in.

Tamika Gaines, 38, turned herself in on Tuesday. 

According to a probable cause document, Gaines was being investigated by the Florida Department of Financial Services who believed that she had been lying about being unemployed for nearly three years.

The document said that between June 2013 and at least May 2016, Gaines received public assistance.

An investigation revealed that Gaines was employed with the Brynwood Center from May 2013 to at least May 2016, earning gross wages totaling over $80,000.

The document alleges that Gaines received more than $15,000 in food stamp program benefits from July 2013 through October 2015. In addition, Gaines received more than $9,500 in Medicaid Program benefits from October 2013 through May 2016.

Investigators say that Gaines received a total of $24,880.05 in public assistance she was not legally entitled to. 

Gaines' bond was set at $5,000. She has since bonded out.