Mother Of Missing Twins To Stand Trial In Welfare Fraud Case
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - A woman facing charges in connection with the disappearance of her twins will stand trial.
Patricia Fowler was held for court after a preliminary hearing this morning.
Fowler's children, Ivon and Inisha, have not been seen for at least 10 years.
She is accused of lying about their whereabouts and illegally collecting nearly $50,000 in welfare benefits for the twins.
Additional charges were also added during today's hearing, including theft by deception.
Fowler's attorney says, he has a lot of questions about the allegations against his client.
"I also had questions as to whether or not, what's the proof that Ms. Fowler received these benefits?" attorney Blaine Jones said. "I am tremendously concerned about her mental health. I'm not sure if she's properly medicated at this time. I'm tremendously concerned."
Jones continued to say he was not sure if Fowler even understood the charges against her.
Kirk Williams from the Office of Inspector General testified digital records only go back to 2011 - creating the trail of receipts from Fowler.
"They are alleging 2011 to the present. Did anyone, and I asked, in 2011 did anyone from any agency step into Mrs. Fowler's home and you heard the answer was no. That was 2011 then I asked about every year up to 2015," Jones said.
Fowler remains in the Allegheny County Jail after a judge denied her bond.
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