Kristen McCord Given Probation For Illegally Receiving Medicaid Benefits

A Natrona County woman will avoid jail time after admitting she received state benefits illegally.

Kristen McCord was given first-time offender status, along with one-to-five years of probation, after pleading guilty to one charge of misrepresentation in obtaining public welfare benefits.

Investigators say from September 2008 through September 2009, McCord was approved for the pregnant woman program through medicaid, and was often getting early prescription renewals.

The Wyoming Department of Family Services started investigating when the prescription turned out to be pain medication, which may cause an abortion in pregnant women.

McCord eventually admitted that she was never pregnant.

If she completes her probation term, and pays $10,000 in restitution, the court will clear her guilty plea from her criminal record.