Look, everyone is innocent until proven guilty. But Ron Artest is the guy who, as a rookie with the Chicago Bulls, once applied for a job at Circuit City so that he could get the employee discount. So is it possible that he directed his sister, Latoya Holmes-Ivey, to apply for welfare even though he was paying all her bills?
Both are being investigated for welfare fraud after the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development got a tip recently that Holmes-Ivey may have received at least $34,000 in taxpayer money she was not entitled to.
Police and housing authorities raided the home Latoya Holmes-Ivey and her three children rent at 336 E. Burgess Ave. Wednesday morning, 6News' Rafael Sanchez reported.
Holmes-Ivey was receiving taxpayer-supported rent assistance because she claimed she had no income, but investigators said she may have been getting money from her brother.
The sticky part for Artest here is that he may have been the one directing her to do it.
Some neighbors said they were skeptical of Holmes-Ivey after learning who her brother was.
"I never understood why she was on assistance because of that, when she told me he was her brother," said Marcia Taylor. "The people who do need the assistance don't get it, when the people who don't need it get a lot of time."
By the way, I'm sure you've heard about Artest's appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Monday, in which he came out in only his boxers and shoes. But did you catch this particular exchange from the interview? Artest was showing off the Jimmy Kimmel Live logo that he had shaved onto the back of his head:
KIMMEL: "You know if we were in prison, that would mean we're married."
ARTEST: "I'm having this removed right after the show."
KIMMEL: "Don't worry; I'd be the wife."
How times have changed. Somehow I can't imagine that exchange occurring between Johnny Carson and Oscar Robertson.
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NBA Star, Sister Accused Of Welfare Fraud, Theft [TheIndyChannel.com]
Ron Artest and sister being investigated for welfare fraud [You Been Blinded]
Runs in the family ... Another scumbag heading for bankruptcy ... How far the stupid will fall ....
Her brother giving her money is not INCOME.
What if he suddenly stops giving her money?
Should she then rush and fill out paper work???
Wow! This passes for news??
We would all be saying what a scumbag he is if he didn't help his sister out. Gifts are not income and he is not obligated to support her. This does not fit the description of welfare fraud.
You are the scumbag for stating your opinon without knowing the facts. Do us all a favor and shut-up.
Accused doesn't equal guilty. Regardless of his charecter and past 'behavior problems' he does deserve the benefit of the doubt and access to the legal system to determine his guilt or innocence.
Arest is a clown. What decent human that makes the money he makes would let his sister file for welfare?? I mean seriously, this guy needs serious help.
Her brother giving her money is charity. No self respecting, hard working individual would accept money from their Brother, Father, Mother, Cousin, or the US Government! Simple remedy,... Get a job!!!!!!!!!!
He helps his sister out from time to time and this is a crime how? You people and the editor that reported this as news need to get a life.
The crime is Larry Bird not providing financial support to his his child all through life and not having a relationship with her but as long as its "Larry Legend" no headlines.
Income is money however received. If I give you $10,000, yes, that is income to you. Look it up. If he stops giving her money, then she would qualify for public assistance, and yes, then she should go rush and apply for it. Taking public money by claiming you have no income when you clearly do is ILLEGAL.
Did any of you read the story at the links provided? HUD is looking into wheather or not Ron paid the bills and the sister hid the evidence of that. If so, then what happened to the money that HUD gave her to pay the bills? That is the fraud part of the story. And fraud is news.
PlayerHater - You're the idiot. The law says he can give her $10K as a tax-free gift, but anything above that is considered income. Know the facts and the law before spouting off!!
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