(WNY News Now) – Olean – A Cattaraugus County man faces felony charges after an investigation revealed he allegedly sold over $3,600 in EBT benefits as part of a welfare fraud scheme.
On August 20th, 2024, the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office arrested Dale J. Covert, 62, of Olean, NY, following an extensive investigation into suspected welfare fraud. The investigation was initiated by a complaint from the Cattaraugus County Department of Social Services early last year.
Covert is charged with Grand Larceny in the Third Degree and Welfare Fraud in the Third Degree, both D felonies. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in selling $3,664.29 worth of EBT/Food Stamp benefits to another person for use in their local business. The investigation was conducted by the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Bureau, with critical assistance from the Department of Social Services Program Integrity Unit.
The arrest is part of a broader effort to crack down on EBT/Food Stamp card trafficking, which has led to multiple investigations and arrests in the county. Covert was taken into custody at the Cattaraugus County Department of Social Services in Olean without incident. He was processed and later released with an appearance ticket.
Dale J. Covert is scheduled to appear in the City of Olean Court on September 17th, 2024, at 9:30 AM. As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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