Lincoln woman allegedly received benefits for child who was never born

A woman is being charged with felony theft and fraud after allegedly obtaining benefits on behalf of a child that was never born. 

An employee with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) said Misty Ice, 40, of Lincoln, called to discuss her juvenile daughter who was in state custody, according to court documents. During the call, the employee noticed Ice’s file showed Ice was receiving benefits for a son born in January of 2018. The employee became suspicious after Ice gave different responses about the whereabouts of her son, according to the documents. 

Investigators said Ice reported visiting an unknown free clinic in Lincoln where she obtained a pregnancy test she provided to DHHS to obtain benefits and care. Ice told investigators she was never pregnant, then changed her story to say she had been pregnant but had a miscarriage, according to an arrest affidavit. Ice ultimately admitted several times that no boy was ever born, and that she made up a phony social security number for him, according to the document. 

Investigators said as a result of fabricated pregnancy verification form and other paperwork she submitted, Ice received a total of $11,681.80 in benefits she was not eligible to receive.