Gainesville Woman Charged with Welfare Fraud

Accused of falsely obtaining over $14,000 in SNAP and Medicaid benefits

Published on Jan. 31, 2026

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Queen Sharon Lily Reeves, a 27-year-old Gainesville resident, has been arrested and charged with fraudulently obtaining SNAP and Medicaid benefits totaling over $14,000. Authorities allege that Reeves failed to report her income from her job at the Florida Department of Children and Families on multiple applications for public assistance.

Why it matters

Welfare fraud undermines public trust in social safety net programs and diverts resources away from those truly in need. This case highlights the importance of program integrity and oversight to ensure benefits are distributed fairly and to the right recipients.

The details

According to investigators, Reeves submitted applications for SNAP and Medicaid benefits between December 2022 and August 2024, reporting a bi-weekly income of $1,000. However, records show she was actually employed by the Florida Department of Children and Families during that time, earning over $103,000. Reeves allegedly failed to report this income on at least two applications, as well as overtime earnings on one application. As a result, she received $11,964 in SNAP benefits and $3,022.83 in Medicaid benefits that she was not entitled to.

  • Reeves submitted applications for public assistance benefits between December 28, 2022, and August 7, 2024.
  • Reeves was employed by the Florida Department of Children and Families from January 6, 2023, through at least November 30, 2024.

The players

Queen Sharon Lily Reeves

A 27-year-old Gainesville resident who has been charged with fraudulently obtaining over $14,000 in SNAP and Medicaid benefits.

Florida Department of Children and Families

The state agency that employed Reeves during the time she allegedly failed to report her income on public assistance applications.

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What’s next

Reeves has been charged with making a false statement on an application for public assistance benefits and wrongfully receiving over $200 in benefits, a felony. She is scheduled to appear in court, where a judge will determine if she should be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case serves as a reminder of the importance of accurately reporting income and eligibility information when applying for public assistance programs. Welfare fraud not only harms the integrity of these vital social services but also takes resources away from those who truly need them.