HARRISBURG — The state Inspector General’s Office filed welfare fraud charges against 178 individuals — including four Butler County residents — between Jan. 1 and March 31.

The restitution owed the commonwealth in these cases totals $886,055.54.

Additional cost savings will be realized as the defendants will be temporarily disqualified from receiving public benefits in the programs they allegedly defrauded.

“Our office remains vigilant to protect the integrity of our vital public assistance programs,” said state Inspector General Bruce R. Beemer.

“We are proud to work with our partners in law enforcement across the commonwealth to help those in need and stop those who cheat,” Beemer said.

Felony charges in the third degree have been filed against these Butler County residents:

Pamela Iman of Renfrew, for $4,088 in SNAP fraud.

Amanda Boyd of Cranberry Township, for $625 in SNAP fraud and $4,137.40 in medical assistance fraud.

Jennifer Flint of Butler, for $3,200 in SNAP fraud.

Maria Rock of Lyndora, for $2,850 in SNAP fraud and $4,618.16 in medical assistance fraud.