A Canisteo woman is facing felony charges after investigators say she improperly received nearly $3,000 in public assistance benefits by failing to report income and allowing another person to use her EBT card.
Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard announced Tuesday that Melissa D. Aldrich, 36, of Bush Hill Road in Canisteo, was arrested following an investigation by the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office.
According to investigators, Aldrich allegedly failed to report income between Jan. 1, 2024 and June 15, 2024, while also allowing an unauthorized person to use her EBT card. Authorities said she improperly received $2,916.46 in benefits through the Steuben County Department of Social Services that she was not eligible to obtain.
Aldrich was charged with fourth-degree welfare fraud, fourth-degree grand larceny, and misuse of food stamps. Investigators said the welfare fraud and grand larceny charges are both Class E felonies.
She was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Bath Village Court at a later date.
The sheriff’s office credited the Steuben County Department of Social Services Fraud and Legal Affairs Unit, along with the district attorney’s office, for assisting with the investigation.
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