Socialist Mayoral Candidate Was Convicted for Stealing Food Stamps, She Says It Qualifies Her for the Job

Socialist Denver mayoral candidate Shontel Lewis spun away her past legal troubles by audaciously suggesting that a conviction for theft of public welfare benefits qualifies her to lead the Mile High City.

In 2008, Lewis copped to stealing thousands of dollars in benefits when she was employed at the Department of Human Services East Food Stamp Office, abusing her position to reissue Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards that were intended for other people to herself and her roommate.

She pleaded guilty to misdemeanor theft and was sentenced to 18 months of probation and paid restitution for the theft, but the conviction has resurfaced with Lewis setting her sights on City Hall as the candidate endorsed by the far-left Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) in next year’s nonpartisan mayoral contest.

When asked by a local reporter whether the conviction “is disqualifying for somebody who wants to serve as mayor, because it involved public monies,” Lewis boldly claimed that it is actually a positive part of her resume.

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