AMARILLO, TEXAS -- An Amarillo woman has been indicted for stealing the social security benefits of a child. The three-count indictment against Blanca Alvarez, charges her with one count of theft from the government and two counts of social security fraud.

According to the indictment, beginning in June 2001, and continuing through December 2009, Alvarez made false statements and caused others to make false statements, to the Social Security Administration representing that she was caring for a minor child. Alvarez knew the child she was claiming was in the care of the State of Texas and she wasn't entitled to benefits. She also stole approximately $26,718 in payments to which she was not entitled.

If convicted, Alvarez faces a maximum statutory sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the theft from the government count and five years and a $250,000 fine on the Social Security fraud counts. In addition, she could be ordered to pay restitution.

She is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Clinton E. Averitte, on Tuesday, December 7.