Authorities in Cayuga County arrested a Town of Brutus woman after an investigation revealed she allegedly failed to report income to obtain benefits.
Jana Michel, 44, was arrested on April 29 following an investigation led by the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office in partnership with the Department of Social Services and District Attorney’s Office. Michel faces charges of grand larceny in the fourth degree, welfare fraud in the fourth degree, offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree, and misuse of food stamps.
Officials stressed the seriousness of welfare fraud and reaffirmed their commitment to investigating and prosecuting those who exploit the system. Individuals with information related to this or similar cases are encouraged to contact the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office at 315-253-1222 or submit tips at https://www.cayugacounty.us/452/Send-a-Tip. Anonymous submissions can also be made using the SaferWatch app.
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