Rivera-Padilla v. Commonwealth

ELIZABETH A. McCLANAHAN, Judge.

Dunia Rivera-Padilla appeals from her conviction for welfare fraud and argues the trial court erred in denying her motion to suppress statements she made during an interview with Virginia Department of Social Services agents. Rivera-Padilla contends the statements were coerced in violation of her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. Disagreeing with her arguments, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

I. BACKGROUND

In September 2003, Rivera-Padilla applied for and began receiving TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) and food stamps…