Prescott, Wisconsin Man Charged in Dakota County with Felony Theft for Allegedly Wrongfully Obtaining Public Assistance
Published: April 9th 2026
HASTINGS MN: A Prescott, Wisconsin man has been charged in Dakota County District Court with felony theft after a criminal complaint alleges he wrongfully obtained public assistance benefits through false statements and concealment.
Riley Michael Cullifer, born July 28, 1987, is charged with Theft (Wrongfully Obtaining Assistance) (False Statement, Concealment, or Impersonation) (Over $1,000 up to $5,000) under Minnesota Statutes § 256.98.1(1), with reference to § 609.52.3(3)(a).
According to the complaint, detectives with the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office began investigating potential welfare fraud on October 23, 2025. Investigators reviewed benefit applications submitted by Cullifer and noted that he reported living at an address in Hastings, Minnesota, beginning May 31, 2022, where he claimed to pay $500 per month in rent.
The complaint states detectives identified discrepancies, including that Cullifer maintained a mailing address in Prescott, Wisconsin, and that benefit usage was frequently tied to that location. Records reviewed by investigators indicated Cullifer had been approved for Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits beginning in June 2023 through 2025.
When interviewed by detectives, the complaint states Cullifer reaffirmed that he was living at the Hastings address. However, investigators later spoke with the listed landlord, who told authorities she was familiar with Cullifer but stated he had never lived at the property.
The complaint states Cullifer later told detectives he had asked to use the Hastings address so he could continue receiving Minnesota benefits without relocating and admitted he was living in Prescott, Wisconsin. During a separate phone call referenced in the complaint, a detective reportedly overheard Cullifer state that police were aware he had not lived at the Hastings address.
The complaint states investigators determined Cullifer had lived in Prescott, Wisconsin, since at least March 2022. The complaint states that since March 2023, Cullifer received approximately $1,167 in SNAP benefits. Additionally, between January 1, 2025, and July 1, 2025, the complaint states he received at least $3,315 in Minnesota Supplemental Aid payments for which he was not eligible. The complaint also indicates he received Medical Assistance benefits during the same period.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.