Wealthy welfare mom' out of prison after 7 months

Posted: Apr 09, 2013 2:23 PM EDT

By Anya Tucker - email

 

Angela Lopez July 12, 2012 Mug Shot

COLONIE, N.Y. - The "wealthy welfare mom" was sentenced to 2 to 6 years after admitting that she stole $95,000 in public welfare benefits, yet after only seven-months behind bars, Angela Lopez is once again a free woman.

According to the State Department of Corrections, the brazenly unapologetic mother of six from Colonie was paroled in February.

Lopez pleaded guilty to stealing tax payer dollars in food stamps and benefits over a four year period, all while working a nursing job, living in an upscale neighborhood and driving a Lincoln Navigator.

So the NEWS CENTER's Anya Tucker wanted to know: Why is she out so soon?

The Corrections Department says Lopez entered a special boot camp for non-violent criminals. Once successfully completed, those prisoners - including inmates like Lopez - are eligible for early release.

They say that participants in the so-called "shock program" are much less likely to re-offend.