Former Stanislaus County sheriff's officer in court in welfare case

MODESTO -- A preliminary hearing is expected to conclude today for a former Stanislaus County sheriff's lieutenant charged with two counts of felony welfare fraud.

Mario Cisneros is accused of filing a fraudulent report with the "intent to defraud the Medi-Cal program or any other health care program." A second count alleges that he filed a fraudulent claim against the Stanislaus County Department of Social Services.

Once the preliminary hearing concludes, Stanislaus County Superior Court Judge Linda McFadden will determine whether there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial.

Cisneros no longer works for the Sheriff's Department.