A welfare fraud investigation in Wayne County has resulted in felony charges against a Lyons woman accused of improperly allowing others to use her food assistance benefits.
Tina Covert, 54, of Phelps Street in the Town of Lyons, was arrested on charges of misuse of food stamps and fourth-degree grand larceny following a joint investigation by the Wayne County Department of Social Services and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators allege Covert allowed several other people to use her Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits card to purchase food items without authorization.
According to authorities, the unauthorized purchases totaled $1,030. Investigators said the allegations stemmed from a welfare fraud investigation conducted by social services officials with assistance from sheriff’s deputies.
Covert was processed at the Wayne County Jail and released with an appearance ticket. She is scheduled to appear in Lyons Town Court on June 23 to answer the charges.
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