CalFresh fraud investigation on the Central Coast

A special investigation unit of The Santa Cruz County Human Services Department and other law enforcement agencies, conducted search warrants in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties as part of an investigation into the misuse of CalFresh food support.

Around noon Friday, investigators were at La Esperanza market off Sanborn in Salinas questioning people there.

Authorities said the investigation is ongoing. No charges have been filed in this case.

The Human Services Department said the misuse of publicly-funded benefits by even a small number of individuals impacts everyone.

Over the past year, more than 35,000 people in Santa Cruz County have been provided with CalFresh food support.