Nine people were arrested after deputies executed multiple welfare fraud-related warrants across Cayuga County on the morning of March 19.
Those charged were Matthew Robinson, Robert Khandaran, Lisa Goodale, Kristi MacDonald, Matthew Weese, Crystal Graves, Robert Barnes, Kristin Tucker and Paul Mettler. All were arraigned in Auburn City Court and released on their own recognizance.
The cases were investigated by the Cayuga County Department of Social Services Case Integrity Unit, with assistance from the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division and the Cayuga County District Attorney’s Office.
According to the sheriff’s office, the charges vary by defendant and include petit larceny, grand larceny, welfare fraud, offering a false instrument for filing and misuse of food stamps.
Robinson was charged with petit larceny, welfare fraud in the fifth degree, offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree and misuse of food stamps.
Khandaran was charged with grand larceny in the third degree, welfare fraud in the third degree, offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree and misuse of food stamps.
Goodale was charged with grand larceny in the third degree, welfare fraud in the third degree and misuse of food stamps.
MacDonald was charged with welfare fraud in the third degree and grand larceny in the third degree.
Weese was charged with grand larceny in the third degree, welfare fraud in the third degree, offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree and misuse of food stamps.
Graves was charged with grand larceny in the third degree, welfare fraud in the third degree, offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree and misuse of food stamps.
Barnes was charged with grand larceny in the third degree, welfare fraud in the third degree, offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree and misuse of food stamps.
Tucker was charged with 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.
Mettler was charged with 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.
Sheriff Brian Schenck said the county will continue pursuing fraud investigations with partner agencies.
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