A mother of two, who had set aside money to repay $7,450 in welfare benefits she illegally received, has been placed on four years’ probation in welfare fraud case.

From August 2014 to May 2015, Cary Virtue Client, 44, collected food stamp benefits while not reporting her work income.

Her lawyer, Maui attorney Cary Virtue, commented, “At the time that this happened, she was basically in between getting back to work again. She should have reported that right away.”

He continued, “Client now has two jobs and supports her two children”.

Client pleaded no contest to the charges. When she was sentenced Sept. 1, she asked for a chance to keep convictions for welfare fraud and second-degree theft off her record.

The prosecution opposed the request, with Deputy Prosecutor Kenton Werk noting that Client has prior convictions for second-degree theft, fraudulent use of a credit card and six counts of second-degree forgery.

Werk stated, “She should have learned from her prior experience. The state does give her credit for being ready to pay back the money she stole.”

Second Circuit Judge Peter Cahill denied Client’s request to defer the convictions, but didn’t order any additional jail for Client so she could continue working.

“Right now you’re not eligible for welfare,” Cahill told her. “My goal is to make sure you stay off.”