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Mom Of Missing Twins Charged With Illegally Collecting Government Benefits

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - The day before Patricia Fowler, 47, was scheduled to appear for a formal arraignment on charges of concealing the whereabouts of her missing twins, Ivon and Inisha, new charges were filed against her.

Allegheny County Police submitted claims that she had continually applied for and received benefits for the twins since June 1, 2011, even though they have been missing for more than a decade.

According to court documents, investigators say since June of 2011, Fowler received almost $60,000 from benefit programs through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

Authorities say in that time, she fraudulently obtained $14,432 from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), $13,797 of benefits from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and medical assistance totaling $30,752.50.

Fowler was only interrogated about Inisha and Ivon this past summer after CYF said the whereabouts of the twins were unknown. Police say the last anyone saw or heard from the children was in 2006.

Fowler allegedly has told multiple stories about where the twins are, including that she sold them for $2,000 apiece.

In December, police searched the area behind a home in Braddock, where it's believed Fowler lived at one point. County Police say nothing was discovered.

Investigators have said they believe the twins are likely dead.

Patricia Fowler's brother is facing charges for allegedly lying to police when he pretended to be his missing brother.

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