Linda Taylor

American criminal

Linda Taylor (born Martha Louise White; c. January 1926 – April 18, 2002) was an American criminal. She committed welfare fraud and, after an article in the Chicago Tribune in fall 1974, became known as the "welfare queen".

Linda Taylor (alias)
Born
Martha Louise White

c. January 1926
Died (aged 76)
Other names
  • Martha Louise Miller
  • Connie Walker
  • Linda Bennett
  • Linda Jones
  • Connie Jarvis
  • Linda Lynch
Known forWelfare fraud
Criminal statusConvicted
Conviction(s)
  • Fraud
  • Perjury
Criminal penalty3–7 years imprisonment
Date apprehended
August 2, 1974
Imprisoned atDwight Correctional Center, Nevada Township, Illinois, U.S. (1978–1980)

Her activities were used by Ronald Reagan, from his 1976 presidential campaign onwards, to defend his criticisms of social programs in the United States.[1]

Her criminal activities are believed to have extended beyond welfare fraud and may have included assault, theft, insurance fraud, bigamy, the abduction and sale of children, and possibly even murder.[2][3]

References

change
  1. "'Welfare Queen' Becomes Issue in Reagan Campaign". The New York Times. February 15, 1976. p. 51. Reprinted from The Washington Star.
  2. Levin, Josh (December 19, 2013). "The Welfare Queen". Slate. Retrieved May 19, 2019.
  3. Demby, Gene (December 20, 2013). "The Truth Behind The Lies Of The Original 'Welfare Queen'". NPR. Retrieved May 18, 2019.