PORTLAND — A Portland husband and wife have been accused of stealing more than $100,000 from the State of Oregon. From 2015 to 2019, the couple allegedly used food stamp benefits and public assistance funds for which they did not qualify.
The Multnomah County District Attorney on Monday indicted Rebecca Riker, 26, and Dave Riker, 29, on nearly 40 charges. Both were charged with seven counts of unlawfully using a food stamp benefit or food commodity, 11 counts of obtaining public assistance, five counts of first-degree theft, five counts of first-degree aggravated theft and seven counts of unsworn falsification. Dave Riker was also charged with two more counts of unlawfully using food stamp benefits or food commodity.
According to a report from the district attorney’s office, the Rikers made false statements to public employees several times over the course of four years, in order to get medical and public assistance benefits through the Employment-Related Day Care (ERDC) program and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The ERDC program helps low-income working families pay for child care, and SNAP provides food benefits to low-income individuals and families.
The Oregon Department of Human Services and Portland Police Bureau’s white collar crimes unit are investigating the case. The Rikers were booked and released, and their next court date is scheduled for July 1.
