People v. Arlov CA1/1

I.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL

BACKGROUND

A. Background and the Underlying Conduct In 2013, Arlov moved from New York to a residence in Kelseyville, which was owned by a trust for which she was a trustee. The following year, in early August 2014, she applied for CalFresh benefits (food stamps) through

1 the Lake County Department of Social Services (Department). The application was successful, and Arlov began receiving benefits. At the time, food stamps were provided through an electronic benefit card (EBT card), which required a PIN to use. On the CalFresh application, Arlov stated under penalty of perjury that her “household’s monthly gross income and cash on hand or in checking and savings accounts [was] less than the combined cost of rent/mortgage and utilities.” She also claimed that she paid $350 per month in rent and, as discussed further below, had no income. In fact, bank records from accounts controlled by Arlov showed regular deposits and her use of that money for personal expenses. To begin with, a disability benefit of $781 was deposited monthly into her personal account, which she did not disclose on the CalFresh application even though there was a checkbox for…