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Octuplets’ mother denies welfare fraud

Nadya Suleman allegedly didn’t report $30,000 in income.

LOS ANGELES — A mother of octuplets pleaded not guilty Friday to charges of failing to report $30,000 that authorities say she was earning when she applied for public assistance benefits.

Nadya Suleman, a 38-year-old single mother of 14 children, was released after arraignment in Los Angeles County Superior Court on three counts of welfare fraud. Deputy District Attorney Bill Clark said authorities will try to resolve the case without a trial.

‘‘If she can pay the money back, that makes a big difference,’’ he said.

Authorities say that when Suleman applied for welfare last year she failed to disclose residuals from videos and money she was paid for personal appearances.

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‘‘She was running short on money. She went to the Los Angeles County Department of Social Services and asked for food stamps,’’ Clark told reporters outside court. ‘‘And they gave them to her.’’

Suleman shot to fame on Jan. 26, 2009, when she gave birth at a Southern California hospital to eight children.

Associated Press