A Wethersfield woman has been sentenced to three years of probation for her role in a $1.6 million food stamp fraud scheme.
Lillian Adames, 46, pleaded guilty in September to food stamp fraud and was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Hartford on Monday.
Authorities said Adames illegally exchanged food stamps for cash between October 2006 and March 2009.
Prosecutors said she was helped by her husband. Apolinar Collado, and others, exchanging food stamps for cash with customers at six grocery stores in Hartford.
The listed store owners were unconnected with the businesses and allowed their names to be used for ownership and licensing purposes.
Adames' husband is in prison and five of the stores have closed.
Adames' attorney said in court papers that she was coerced by her husband, saying he threatened and beat her.
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Adames serves as caretaker for her daughter, who has a serious medical condition, and will spend the first six months of her probation in home confinement.
