Cayuga County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested six individuals in connection with a welfare fraud investigation. The suspects were arraigned in Auburn City Court and released on their own recognizance.
The investigation was conducted by 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.
The individuals and their charges are as follows:
- Robert Whittaker III, Auburn – Grand Larceny 3rd, Welfare Fraud 3rd, Offering a False Instrument for Filing 1st, Misuse of Food Stamps
- Aysha L. Richardson, Auburn – Grand Larceny 4th, Welfare Fraud 4th, Offering a False Instrument for Filing 1st, Misuse of Food Stamps
- Ryan S. Southworth, Locke – Grand Larceny 3rd
- Kayla M. Taylor, Ira – Welfare Fraud 3rd, Offering a False Instrument for Filing 1st, Grand Larceny 3rd, Misuse of Food Stamps
- Alison M. Slater, Auburn – Welfare Fraud 3rd, Offering a False Instrument for Filing 1st, Misuse of Food Stamps, Petit Larceny
- Shanice Greene, Auburn – Welfare Fraud 4th, Grand Larceny 4th, Offering a False Instrument for Filing 1st, Misuse of Food Stamps
“Welfare fraud is a serious crime that impacts everyone in our community. We are continuing to investigate these crimes aggressively and will hold those in Cayuga County who take advantage of this system accountable,” said Sheriff Brian Schenck.
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.
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