Amika Land, also known as Amika Simmons, was arrested on Oct. 30, the Inwood resident allegedly stole more than $200,000 in welfare and housing benefits between Feb. 18, 2011 and Aug. 31, 2015, according to the Nassau County District Attorney’s office.
Land, 37, was charged with welfare fraud third-degree, two counts of grand larceny third-degree, five counts of offering a false instrument for filing first-degree. After her arraignment on that Monday, she was released on her own recognizance. Her next court date is Dec. 5. If convicted of the top count, she could be sentenced up to seven years in prison.
According to District Attorney Madeline Singas, Land received Medicaid, day care, public assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Home Energy Assistance Program benefits totaling $180,868. During the four-year period, she filed recertification forms with the Nassau County Department of Social Services and allegedly underreported her household income.