Three people have been arrested as a result of a new partnership by Cayuga County officials to address welfare fraud.
In a news release Friday, Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck said that his office has recently partnered with county District Attorney Brittany Grome Antonacci and Commissioner of Social Services Christine Bianco to identify, investigate, arrest and prosecute people in the community receiving benefits they are not entitled to.
"Welfare and benefit fraud is a crime that costs taxpayers significant amounts of money locally and beyond," Schenck said.
"Our agencies will continue to proactively identify and hold those committing fraud accountable."
The partnership led to the following arrests, all for allegedly failing to report household income and receiving benefits they weren't entitled to as a result:
Marjorie Jones, 57, of Auburn, was charged April 28 with fourth-degree grand larceny, fourth-degree welfare fraud and misuse of food stamps, all Class E felonies.
Jana Michel, 44, of Brutus, was charged April 29 with fourth-degree grand larceny, fourth-degree welfare fraud, first-degree offering a false instrument for filing and misuse of food stamps, all Class E felonies.
Ira Smith, 40, of Auburn, was charged April 24 with third-degree grand larceny, a Class D felony, and fourth-degree welfare fraud, first-degree offering a false instrument for filing and misuse of food stamps, all Class E felonies.
Those with more information about potential welfare fraud are asked to contact the sheriff's office at (315) 253-1222 or leave a tip at or the SaferWatch app.
