Milwaukee woman defrauds food stamp program of $150,000

MADISON (AP) — A Wisconsin appeals court has upheld a 10-year prison sentence for a Milwaukee woman accused of defrauding the state's food stamp program.

Cassandra Williams worked as a support clerk in Milwaukee for a state Food Share office. Prosecutors alleged she fraudulently opened and renewed Food Share accounts, resulting in the program paying out more than $150,000 in benefits. A judge sentenced Williams to five years in prison and five years on extended supervision in 2012.

Williams argued on appeal that her sentence was excessive.

The 1st District Court of Appeals rejected Williams' arguments, ruling Tuesday that the sentence was appropriate for such a serious crime.

Williams' lawyer, William Marquis, didn't immediately return a message.