LOS ANGELES, Jan. 17 (UPI) -- So-called Octomom Nadya Suleman, whose 14 children include octuplets, pleaded not guilty in Los Angeles Friday to charges she lied on welfare applications.
Suleman, 38, received $16,481 in state welfare benefits in the first half of 2013 to which she was not entitled, and did not properly disclose nearly $30,000 in earnings during that period, prosecutors said.
She was released on her own recognizance after entering her plea on felony charges of aid by impersonation and perjury by false application. Another hearing is scheduled for Feb. 3.
Suleman drew attention in 2009 when she became only the second U.S. woman to successfully give birth to octuplets. Her 2013 income was derived from personal appearances and video royalties.
The charges carry a maximum of five years imprisonment but Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Bill Clark said similar cases typically end in a settlement.
"I don't think she's going to get five years," Clark told the Los Angeles Times. "She has 14 children."
