From staff reports

MIDDLEBURG — A 51-year-old Turbotville woman was sentenced to six to 24 months in Clinton County Correctional Institution for obtaining public assistance by fraud, according to Snyder County District Attorney Heath Brosius.

Holly Hoffman, formerly of Middleburg, was sentenced by President Judge Lori Hackenberg on Dec. 5 and will serve until she is paroled.

Hoffman pled guilty in July 2025 to obtaining public assistance by fraud and admitted to owing $2,444 in wrongfully paid welfare benefits. The crime is a felony of the third degree. Hoffman collected benefits over an 18 month period after intentionally misrepresenting her financial information on state forms.

Hackenberg heard arguments at sentencing from Hoffman’s attorney that because Hoffman came to sentencing with the $2,444 in cash to pay off the debt the Court should consider a home confinement sentence. Hoffman paid the $2,444.00 the day of the sentencing hearing.

“I want to thank the Office of State Inspector General and the very thorough investigative work of the Special Agent assigned,” said Brosius. He went on to say, “These cases require a lot of investigation into financial records and review of countless state forms to catch individuals who are misusing the welfare system. Despite all of that work, the State Inspector General’s Office attempts to negotiate a payment arrangement prior to filing charges on these cases. Folks who do not take advantage of that option end up in Court for sentencing.”