LAKEWOOD – Early morning criminal raids by state and federal authorities Monday sent tremors through Lakewood as officials signaled that more arrests are impending in a massive investigation into welfare fraud.
In the last two days, hundreds of residents called township leaders asking how they can avoid arrest or get amnesty related to an alleged public-assistance fraud scheme that could stretch into the millions of dollars, according to one law enforcement with knowledge of the ongoing probes.
That source, who was not authorized to speak publicly, said that dozens have also called Ocean County Social Services in Toms River to cancel their public assistance or update their income information.
Social Services didn’t return calls seeking comment on Tuesday.
