People with outstanding warrants in Dallas and 28 other counties may find themselves facing trial soon.

A push by the state attorney general’s office, “Operation Debt Net,” is under way throughout many of Alabama’s counties, including Dallas. Authorities have begun serving warrants for people who have been indicted. An indictment is a formal accusation by a grand jury. The accused is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The attorney general’s office has identified and provided information to sheriffs’ offices in about 160 cases involving about $639,693. So far, authorities statewide have arrested 50 people accused of having stolen $160,007.

“This operation sends a resounding message that welfare fraud is a crime that is taken seriously and will be prosecuted in the state of Alabama,” said Attorney General Troy King. “I stand together with the sheriffs of Alabama to throw a net of law enforcement around our state to round up those who have not yet faced justice for their alleged crimes.”

In Dallas County, authorities have arrested Gwendolyn Mason and Debra Posey. Gwendolyn Mason, 44, 1201 Woodrow Avenue Apartment 6, Selma, was booked in the Dallas County Jail on theft of property second degree. She was released on $2,500 bond. Debra Posey, 45, 712 Avenue A Apartment B, Selma, was booked in the Dallas County Jail on theft of property second degree, and was released on $2,500 bond.

“This operation is just another way to show the citizens of Alabama how local law enforcement agencies do work with state agencies to curb crime in our area, as well as other areas in our state,” said Dallas County Sheriff Harris Huffman.