(WNY News Now) – Olean – A 26-year-old Olean resident faces multiple felony charges after an investigation uncovered a substantial welfare fraud scheme involving concealed household income.
The Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office has reported the arrest of Lindsay M. Gardner, 26, of Olean, NY, following a detailed investigation into allegations of welfare fraud. Gardner was apprehended on August 20th, 2024, at the Cattaraugus County Department of Social Services in Olean, NY.
The investigation, led by the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Bureau and assisted by the Cattaraugus County Department of Social Services Program Integrity Unit, began in July after a complaint from the Department of Social Services. The complaint alleged that Gardner had fraudulently received $30,578.00 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefits.
Authorities claim that Gardner concealed and failed to report accurate household composition and income, resulting in her illegal receipt of these benefits. As a result, Gardner faces serious charges, including Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (D Felony), Welfare Fraud in the Third Degree (D Felony), and fifteen counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree (E Felony).
Gardner was processed and subsequently released with an appearance ticket. She 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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