Former state employee pleads guilty to misdemeanor fraud charges

A former employee of the South Dakota Social Services Department has pleaded guilty to using grocery vouchers for personal use. According to South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley 28-year-old Amalia Barrientos of Brookings pleaded guilty Monday in a Brookings county circuit to a misdemeanor charge of obtaining money, property or assistance by fraud from social services or related programs. She received 180 days in jail, all suspended, a $400 fine, $96.50 in court costs and $449.98 in restitution. The investigation alleged Barrientos used the voucher at a Brookings business last October.