‘Millionaire' Welfare Fraud Couple Waives Extradition to Minnesota

The couple facing welfare fraud charges while living on a luxury yacht in South Florida appeared in court Thursday, where they waived extradition to Minnesota

The couple facing welfare fraud charges while living on a luxury yacht in South Florida appeared in court Thursday, where they waived extradition to Minnesota.

Colin and Andrea Chisholm appeared before Broward Circuit Judge John Hurley, who told them they will be heading back to their home state of Minnesota soon.

The couple, who was arrested near Port Everglades Tuesday, are accused of milking public assistance programs for more than $165,000 between January 2005 and March 2012 in Minnesota.

The criminal case against Colin Chisholm, 62, and Andrea Chisholm, 53, details a lavish lifestyle. Records show they had $3 million in various bank accounts during that period. They are also accused of receiving welfare benefits from Florida.

The couple lived in a house in Lighthouse Point while in the Sunshine State. It has since been demolished but they paid several thousand dollars a month while living there.

Authorities said they made a few payments on the yacht they bought while in Florida for $1.2 million, but it was repossessed by the Coast Guard.

The pair remains behind bars without bond and are expected to be extradited soon.

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