Watertown man charged in alleged $21,678 welfare fraud case
A 34-year-old Watertown man was charged with grand larceny, welfare fraud and related offenses after investigators alleged he improperly received $21,678 in public assistance benefits.
By Caleb Mercer, ClickNNY North Country Desk
A 34-year-old Watertown man has been charged with allegedly obtaining $21,678 in public assistance benefits through false information provided to the Jefferson County Department of Social Services, according to initial reports.
The charges include third-degree grand larceny, third-degree welfare fraud, offering a false instrument and misuse of food stamps. The alleged benefits were received from January 2022 through January 2024. The Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office initiated the investigation.
Under New York law, third-degree welfare fraud applies when the value of benefits allegedly obtained exceeds $3,000 and is a class D felony. The charges are allegations, and the man has not been convicted.
The case is expected to go before a grand jury. Reports about the arrest said the man appeared in Watertown City Court and was released.
Jefferson County’s Department of Social Services investigates suspected fraud involving programs including Temporary Assistance, SNAP, Medicaid, HEAP and child care assistance. Suspected welfare fraud can be reported to the department’s hotline at (315) 785-3353, by email at JeffFraud@dfa.state.ny.us or through the county’s welfare fraud page.
Reported by ClickNNY and reviewed by an editor before publication.
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