Branchport Man Accused of Public Assistance Fraud

A joint investigation by the Yates County Sheriff’s Office and its Public Assistance Fraud Unit has resulted in the arrest of a Branchport man.

Michael Collins is accused of providing false information to the Department of Social Services resulting in an overpayment of public assistance benefits which he was not entitled to receive. The 59-year-old was charged with offering a false instrument, petit larceny, and welfare fraud.

Collins will appear in Penn Yan Village Court at a later date to answer the charges.