Accused of stealing from MassHealth

BOSTON (AP) - Prosecutors say a Lynn woman who allegedly stole more than $490,000 from MassHealth in eight years has been released on personal recognizance after pleading not guilty.

Marilyn Beltran worked for a private company that runs MassHealth's transportation program. Her main responsibility was to enter transportation reimbursement information into a system, enabling MassHealth to repay eligible members for travel to medical appointments.

The Attorney General's office says Beltran used her position to enter false information on family members into the database that caused the state to issue more than $490,000 in checks to her relatives. The 42-year-old allegedly deposited those checks into her bank account while others were cashed upon receipt.

Prosecutors say the theft occurred from October 2003 to July 2012.

Beltran is charged with presentation of false claims and larceny over $250.