A month-long investigation into public assistance fraud in Seneca County has led to charges against a dozen people, authorities said.
The arrests followed investigations by the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office working with the county Department of Human Services into individuals accused of fraudulently obtaining benefits.
Authorities said Desire M. Gnau, 27, of Waterloo was charged with misuse of food stamps. Maria V. Cordero, 65, of Seneca Falls was charged with fourth-degree welfare fraud, first-degree offering a false instrument for filing, and misuse of food stamps. Amber R. Watson, 27, of Waterloo was charged with misuse of food stamps.
Kaitlin C. Doby, 41, of Ovid was charged with third-degree grand larceny and misuse of food stamps. Alicia L. Rumsey, 37, of Ovid was charged with fourth-degree grand larceny and misuse of food stamps. Tamara D. Pearce, 42, of Waterloo was charged with fourth-degree grand larceny and misuse of food stamps.
Alexia D. Hyer, 25, of Waterloo was charged with fourth-degree welfare fraud, fourth-degree grand larceny and misuse of food stamps. Kevin J. Gilbo, 40, of Waterloo was charged with third-degree grand larceny and misuse of food stamps. Vanessa M. Grady, 36, of Seneca Falls was charged with third-degree grand larceny and misuse of food stamps.
Michaela F. Trickey, 25, of Waterloo was charged with fourth-degree welfare fraud, first-degree offering a false instrument for filing and misuse of food stamps. Gary D. Wells, 33, of Waterloo was charged with fourth-degree welfare fraud, offering a false instrument for filing and misuse of food stamps. Shelly Passalacqua, 51, of Seneca Falls was charged with fourth-degree grand larceny and misuse of food stamps.
All of the defendants were issued appearance tickets and are scheduled to appear in Waterloo Town Court to answer the charges.
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