(WNY News Now) – The Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of a Killbuck woman on multiple charges related to welfare fraud.
LITTLE VALLEY, NY — The Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Bureau has reported the arrest of Nichole M. Sponeybarger, 35, of Killbuck, NY, following an investigation into alleged welfare fraud.
According to Sheriff Eric A. Butler, Sponeybarger was arrested on January 10, 2025, at the Cattaraugus County Department of Social Services in Olean, NY. The arrest stemmed from a complaint filed by the Department of Social Services in April 2024, citing suspected fraudulent activity involving Sponeybarger’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Investigators allege that Sponeybarger concealed self-employment income on her SNAP account. She faces the following charges:
- Petit Larceny (Class A Misdemeanor)
- Welfare Fraud in the Fifth Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
- Nine counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree (Class E Felony)
Sponeybarger was taken into custody without incident, processed, and released with an appearance ticket. She is scheduled to appear in the City of Olean Court on February 12, 2025, at 9:30 AM.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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