Camano Island Couple Charged in Welfare Fraud Case Facing Trial
A Camano Island man who ran an online church and his wife were charged in Island County Superior Court with theft in the first degree related to alleged welfare fraud, accused of failing to report household income while receiving public benefits. The state alleges more than $35,000 was obtained improperly, and the case raises local questions about charitable donations, benefit oversight, and community trust.
Prosecutors in Island County have charged Jeremiah and Maresha Swartz with theft in the first degree, categorized as welfare fraud, after a state investigation into benefit applications spanning 2019 to 2024. The Office of Fraud and Accountability alleges the couple failed to report household income when applying for medical, food and cash assistance, resulting in more than $35,000 in benefits the state says were wrongfully obtained.
According to the investigative report, Jeremiah Swartz, who operated an online church, made more than $40,000 in cashier's checks to a precious metals company while enrolled in benefit programs. Investigators also say he did not disclose donations and other income streams, including funds raised through crowdfunding. The report further alleges that when applying for cash assistance between June 2023 and September 2024, Jeremiah failed to report more than $90,000 in income. Maresha is accused of failing to report income from business commissions.
State prosecutors filed charges on November 7 and the case is now pending in Island County Superior Court. The charge carries potential penalties under Washington law, and the couple will have the opportunity to respond to the allegations through the court process. At this stage the allegations remain unproven and the legal system will determine whether the state can sustain the charges.
For Island County residents the case touches on several practical and civic concerns. The involvement of an online church and crowdfunding highlights how modern giving and digital fundraising can complicate transparency about income. Neighbors who donated or participated in online religious communities may seek clarity about how donations were handled and reported. Residents who rely on public assistance programs also have a stake in the integrity of those programs, since fraud allegations can lead to heightened scrutiny and administrative changes that affect benefits access.
The investigation underscores the role of the Office of Fraud and Accountability in policing benefit programs and pursuing alleged misuse of public funds. It also serves as a reminder of the legal obligation to report income when applying for state assistance. Any changes in oversight or administrative procedures stemming from this case could affect how local applicants document and verify earnings.
As proceedings move forward in Island County Superior Court, community members can expect court filings and public records to provide further detail. The case is likely to prompt discussions locally about charitable transparency, accountability in digital fundraising, and the balance between preventing abuse of public programs and protecting access for residents in need.
