Burnsville Woman Charged with Felony Public Assistance Fraud in Dakota County
Published: April 2nd 2026
BURNSIVLLE, MN: Another Burnsville woman is facing felony charges in Dakota County District Court after authorities allege she fraudulently obtained more than $20,000 in public assistance benefits by failing to report household income and residency information.
According to a criminal complaint filed March 31, 2026, in Dakota County District Court, Zopora Fran’Shaun Porter, 31, has been charged with theft by wrongfully obtaining public assistance over $5,000, a felony offense under Minnesota law.
Allegations of Fraudulent Benefits
The charge stems from an investigation into Porter’s participation in the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), a program that provides financial assistance to low-income families. Court documents allege that between July 2024 and August 2025, Porter received at least $20,963 in MFIP benefits. During that time, investigators say she reported her own income and residence but failed to disclose her husband's income and did not report him as living in the household.
Authorities allege that this omission allowed Porter to receive benefits she otherwise would not have qualified for, or to receive a greater amount than she was entitled to.
Investigation Details
The case began on July 14, 2025, when a detective with the Dakota County Sheriff's Office received a fraud prevention referral. Investigators identified the husband, referred to in the complaint as D.P., as having been employed throughout the period in question. Records show he worked for two companies during 2024 and 2025.
When questioned by law enforcement, Porter allegedly stated that she and D.P. were no longer together, did not live together, and that she did not know his current residence. She later claimed he was living at an apartment complex in St. Paul.
However, investigators reported finding multiple pieces of evidence suggesting D.P. was living with Porter at her Burnsville residence, including a driver’s license listing Porter’s address, state and database records tying D.P. to the same address, social media posts and photos indicating an ongoing relationship, prior traffic citations where D.P. listed the Burnsville address as his residence, child support system records showing the same address history, and confirmation from apartment staff in St. Paul that D.P. was not listed on any lease there.
Financial Impact, Repayment, and Potential Penalties
An overpayment determination was issued against Porter, which she did not appeal, according to the complaint.
As of January 2, 2026, court documents state that Porter had repaid $200, leaving an outstanding balance of $20,763.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison and/or fines ranging from $6,000 to $20,000 if convicted.
Case Status
A summons to appear for a first appearance was sent to Porter, who has a court case set for May 5, 2026, in Hastings, Minnesota. As with all criminal cases, Porter is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
