Ruth Nivar, a 57-year-old former employee of the D.C. Department of Human Services (DHS), has been sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for extorting money from low-income, non-English-speaking residents seeking public assistance. The scheme, which began in 2018 and continued through May 2023, involved Nivar exploiting her position to demand payments from applicants for services that were legally required to be provided free of charge.
Nivar’s accomplice, Yessica Moya, a civilian with no affiliation to the D.C. government, assisted in the extortion by submitting applications on behalf of the victims. Nivar provided Moya with sensitive information from the DHS database, including eligibility requirements and applicant details. Victims were instructed to pay Moya, who then split the proceeds with Nivar. Both women pleaded guilty to charges under the Hobbs Act, which prohibits extortion under color of official right.
The case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office and the D.C. Office of Inspector General, with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Madhu Chugh and Will Hart of the Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section. Moya’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for June.
This case underscores the vulnerability of low-income individuals in navigating public assistance programs and the critical need for vigilance against exploitation by those in positions of trust.
