On Wednesday, Jonathan Tarver was arrested by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office following an investigation into welfare fraud in the Town of Lyons.
The charges against the 37-year-old stem from an investigation conducted by the Wayne County Department of Social Services in conjunction with the Sheriff’s Office. Deputies allege that Tarver allowed another person to use his Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program EBT card to purchase food items without authorization.
While deputies were attempting to make the arrest, Tarver allegedly fled on foot from officers and crossed a marked “no trespass” railroad track. He was subsequently taken into custody and charged with Misuse of Food Stamps, Petit Larceny, Criminal Trespass in the Third Degree, Obstructing Governmental Administration in the Second Degree, and Resisting Arrest.
Tarver was transported to the Wayne County Jail for processing and released on appearance tickets. He is scheduled to answer the charges in Lyons Town Court at a later date.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
