Man sentenced for Fresno player food stamp fraud

FRESNO, Calif. (AP) A former Fresno County welfare worker accused in a food stamp scam that included Fresno State football players has been sentenced to three years in California prison.

A judge sentenced 52-year-old Michael Martin Wednesday after he pleaded no contest to embezzlement by a public officer, identity theft and possession of heroin.

Authorities say he and his wife, 45-year-old Dawn Griffin, applied for benefits under the name of a man in prison and redeemed them at Fresno markets.

Prosecutors say Martin also fraudulently applied for benefits for some members of the 2010 Fresno State University football team.

The Fresno Bee reports (http://bit.ly/wL0A1l ) that Griffin pleaded no contest to identity theft, perjury and receiving stolen property, and was sentenced to five years of probation and 270 days in jail.

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Information from: The Fresno Bee, http://www.fresnobee.com

Updated February 23, 2012