“Lord Chisolm” Admits to Welfare Fraud

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A man accused of taking tens of thousands of dollars in public assistance while maintaining a lavish lifestyle has pleaded guilty to welfare fraud in Minnesota.

Hennepin County prosecutors say 62-year-old Colin Chisholm pleaded guilty Monday to one count of wrongfully obtaining public assistance and one count of theft by swindle over $35,000.

Authorities say Chisholm and his wife lived in expensive homes, owned a yacht and had nearly $3 million in the bank when they wrongfully obtained $167,000 in welfare payments, medical assistance and other public benefits.

His wife, Andrea, has already pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting wrongfully obtaining public assistance.

Colin Chisholm will be sentenced Jan. 5. Prosecutors plan to ask for a sentence of 21 months in prison.