(WNY News Now) – BUFFALO, NY – A Buffalo man was sentenced to two years of probation for defrauding public assistance programs, resulting in the wrongful acquisition of over $82,000 in benefits.
Rodney C. Jones, 60, of Buffalo, was sentenced on Monday before State Supreme Court Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek. Between March 1, 2018, and February 28, 2022, Jones illegally obtained more than $9,000 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by concealing his wife’s income on applications filed with the Erie County Department of Social Services. Additionally, Jones fraudulently received over $72,000 from the Social Security Administration (SSA) between July 1, 2014, and October 31, 2023.
On November 12, 2024, Jones pled guilty to Welfare Fraud in the Fifth Degree and Attempted Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, both Class “A” misdemeanors. As part of his plea agreement, Jones paid full restitution, including $9,707 to the Erie County Department of Social Services and $72,459 to the Social Security Administration.
“This public assistance benefit program is reserved for low-income individuals and families who truly need help paying for food and other basic needs,” said Acting Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane. “I want to thank the Office of the New York State Inspector General, Erie County Department of Social Services, and the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General for their work in this investigation. Together, we will continue to hold those who fraudulently obtain these benefits accountable.”
“This fraud jeopardized the fundamental purpose of SNAP and Social Security which, for decades, have been a lifeline for New Yorkers facing hardship” said New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang. “It is a betrayal of hardworking taxpayers to prioritize personal greed over the integrity of public welfare. I am grateful to the Erie County District Attorney’s Office for our ongoing partnership to ensure accountability for anyone who exploits systems designed to support vulnerable families.”
DA Keane commended the agencies involved for their efforts in holding Jones accountable. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Norvella C. Pendergrass of the Special Investigations and Prosecutions Bureau.
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