Nine people have been arrested following a series of welfare fraud investigations conducted by multiple county agencies, according to Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck.
Authorities say the arrests stem from a joint effort involving the Cayuga County Department of Social Services Case Integrity Unit, the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, and the Cayuga County District Attorney’s Office.
On the morning of March 19, deputies executed several arrest warrants across the county. Those taken into custody were identified as Matthew Robinson, Robert Khandaran, Lisa Goodale, Kristi MacDonald, Matthew Weese, Crystal Graves, Robert Barnes, Kristin Tucker, and Paul Mettler.
The charges vary by individual and include Grand Larceny in the Third and Fourth Degrees, Petit Larceny, Welfare Fraud in the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Degrees, Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, and Misuse of Food Stamps.
All nine defendants were transported to Auburn City Court for arraignment and were released on their own recognizance.
Sheriff Schenck praised the cooperation between agencies and said Cayuga County will continue to pursue cases involving fraud and the misuse of public funds.
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.
