Riverside woman admits in court to taking half-million from child welfare program

Riverside woman admits in court to taking half-million from child welfare program

The mastermind of a fraud scheme that drained at least $528,000 from a state-run child welfare program today pleaded guilty — along with her mother — to felony charges.

Stephanie Luna Vega, 39, of Riverside and Sylvia Avila, 61, of San Bernardino admitted their criminal activity during a felony settlement conference before Riverside County Superior Court Judge James Warren. Lake Elsinore resident Brenda Acosta already pleaded guilty to playing a role in the scheme.