Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard reports that 28-year-old Kerstyn Buck of Lindley was arrested on September 23 in connection with an alleged benefits fraud scheme.
Authorities say that between July 8 and August 31, 2025, Buck submitted false documentation to the Steuben County Department of Social Services and received $515 in benefits she was not eligible for.
Buck faces charges of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree and Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree—both class E felonies—as well as Petit Larceny, a class A misdemeanor. She was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Village of Bath Court.
Sheriff Allard acknowledged the assistance of the Steuben County Department of Social Services Fraud and Legal Affairs Unit and the District Attorney’s Office in the investigation.
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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