A former social services employee and an aid recipient were arrested last Thursday for allegedly defrauding Santa Barbara County of over $60,000.

After a five-month-long investigation by the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office, which was assisted by the California Dept. of Social Services, two felony warrants were issued for former SB County Social Services employee Trueman George Beach and public assistance recipient Summer Ann Mastagni after it was alleged that the pair had taken at least $61,550 from the county.

The District Attorney’s Office said the embezzlement charges stem from missing funds in cash aid, food stamps, child care and Medi-Cal services.

Beach – who retired once the investigation began – faces felony charges of welfare fraud, Medi-Cal fraud and embezzlement. Mastagni was charged with welfare fraud, Medi-Cal fraud and perjury.

The two were booked into Santa Barbara County Jail with bail set at $66,000. They are expected to be arraigned today.