Multiple felony charges have been filed against an Imperial County woman.

The Imperial County District Attorney's office has filed the charges following an investigation by the District Attorney's Public Assistance Fraud Unit. Natalia Nicole Castro is alleged to have obtained thousands of dollars in CALWORKS and CALFRESH benefits. Castro has been charged with multiple counts including making more than one application for aid using a false identity; unauthorized use of personal identifying information belonging to another individual; and forgery not related to a financial instrument, specifically forging state-issued documents used in the benefit application process. District Attorney George Marquez said, " This case highlights the importance of integrity in our public assistance programs. Our Public Assistance Fraud Unit is committed to holding accountable those who exploit safety net systems meant to support vulnerable members of our community."