Brooklyn Park Woman Charged with Felony Theft After Allegedly Receiving Nearly $13,000 in Improper Public Assistance Benefits in Dakota County
Published: October 8, 2026.
DAKOTA COUNTY, MN: A Brooklyn Park woman has been charged with felony theft after Dakota County investigators determined she allegedly received nearly $13,000 in public assistance benefits for which she was not eligible, despite repeatedly reporting that her son lived in her household, even though evidence showed he had been living with his father.
Alicia Franchelsa Dozier, 43, of Brooklyn Park, was charged with one count of felony theft by wrongfully obtaining public assistance benefits exceeding $5,000. Dakota County District Court filed the criminal complaint on October 7, 2026. According to court documents, investigators determined that Dozier allegedly received $12,980 in improper benefits through the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) between July 2025 and May 2026.
Investigation Began Following Fraud Referral
According to the criminal complaint, a fraud referral concerning Dozier's household composition was submitted to the Dakota County Fraud Unit on May 5, 2026. The complaint also references a referral received on May 6, 2025, raising questions about who resides in her household. At the time, Dozier was receiving public assistance benefits through MFIP and SNAP for herself and her son, identified in court documents by the initials M.C.
Investigators reviewed benefit applications, household reports, and other documentation submitted to Dakota County to determine whether Dozier had accurately reported the individuals living in her home. Court documents state that on July 5, 2025, Dozier submitted an application for Minnesota public assistance benefits and listed a mailing address in Eagan. On the application, she identified herself, her daughter, and M.C. as household members.
During a telephone interview on July 15, 2025, Dozier reportedly confirmed that her household consisted of one adult and two children. She also reported having no income. Based on the information provided, Dakota County approved her SNAP benefits on July 15, 2025, and MFIP benefits later that month. However, investigators subsequently discovered information indicating that M.C. had moved out of Dozier's household before she submitted the application.
Son Reportedly Had Been Living with His Father Since June 2025
According to the complaint, M.C.'s father submitted a change report for his own public assistance benefits on June 25, 2025. In that report, he told officials he had moved and that M.C. began living with him on June 16, 2025. The father subsequently submitted an application on January 22, 2026, identifying himself and M.C. as members of his household. He also submitted a household update on April 4, 2026, reporting no changes to that arrangement.
Meanwhile, investigators allege Dozier continued identifying M.C. as a resident of her household. On January 13, 2026, Dozier submitted a Combined Six-Month Report to Dakota County, indicating no changes to her household composition. She also applied for healthcare benefits on January 29, 2026, again listing M.C. as a household resident.
Investigators alleged that these reports were inconsistent with information provided by M.C.'s father.
Interviews Confirmed Different Living Arrangement
As part of the investigation, an investigator with Dakota County's Employment and Economic Assistance program interviewed M.C.'s father on April 28, 2026. According to the complaint, the father confirmed that M.C. lived with him and had resided in his household since June 2025.
Investigators subsequently interviewed M.C. on May 4, 2026, after obtaining verbal permission from his father. During that interview, M.C. reportedly confirmed that he had been living with his father full-time since June 2025. The child also told investigators that he occasionally saw Dozier but did not live with her.
Prosecutors allege these statements, along with the benefit applications and household reports, established that Dozier repeatedly reported an inaccurate household composition while continuing to receive public assistance benefits.
Nearly $13,000 in Alleged Overpayments
After the investigation, Dakota County calculated the public assistance benefits allegedly overpaid to Dozier because M.C. was included in her household.
According to the criminal complaint, the alleged overpayments included:
MFIP provides financial assistance and employment-related support to eligible Minnesota families with children, while SNAP provides food assistance to qualifying households. Eligibility and benefit amounts for both programs can depend on factors including household size, income, and other qualifying circumstances.
Prosecutors allege that Dozier received benefits beyond what she was entitled to by falsely reporting or concealing material information about her household.
Felony Charge Carries Potential Prison Sentence
Dozier has been charged with one count of theft by wrongfully obtaining assistance through a false statement, concealment, or impersonation involving more than $5,000. The charge is filed under Minnesota Statute 256.98, subdivision 1(1), with reference to Minnesota Statute 609.52, subdivision 3(2). If convicted, Dozier faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $20,000.
Dakota County Sheriff's Deputy Jonathan Reiners signed the criminal complaint, and Assistant Dakota County Attorney Maria Nowak approved it on October 6, 2026. Dakota County District Court Judge Krista Marks later found probable cause to support the charge and authorized a summons requiring Dozier to appear in court.
Prosecutors Recommend $5,000 Bail or Release with Conditions
In a separate filing submitted to the court on October 8, 2026, the Dakota County Attorney's Office recommended bail of $5,000 without conditions or release on her own recognizance, subject to several conditions.
Under the prosecution's recommendation, Dozier could be released without posting bail if she complies with the following requirements:
Complete the required booking process.
Remain law-abiding.
Attend all future court appearances.
Keep the court and her attorney informed of her current address.
This filing reflects the prosecution's recommendation and does not mean a judge has imposed those conditions.
Dozier's first court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., in Dakota County District Court in Hastings. The court issued the criminal complaint by summons rather than an arrest warrant. The summons directs Dozier to appear in court and warns that failure to appear could result in a warrant being issued for her arrest. The allegations against Dozier have not been proven in court. She is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Written By: Will Wight
Source: Dakota County District Court criminal complaint filed October 7, 2026, and Dakota County Attorney's Office bail recommendation filed October 8, 2026.
