A dozen people are accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in public assistance.

Authorities say eight women and four men stole nearly $400,000 in public assistance benefits like Medicaid and food stamps. The sweep was the result of a two-year investigation by the Nassau County District Attorney's Office.

Jeffrey and Rosemarie Lovelidge were among those arrested and face some of the most egregious charges. The Merrick couple allegedly stole more than $117,000 in Medicaid benefits from 2002-2012.

Officials say the couple never reported owning two businesses, nor did they report allegedly depositing up to $300,000 per year into their bank accounts.