(WNY News Now) – LITTLE VALLEY, NY – The Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Franklinville woman for allegedly fraudulently receiving public assistance benefits from multiple states.

According to Sheriff Eric A. Butler, Lesa A. Smith, 59, was charged with Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, Welfare Fraud in the Fourth Degree, and Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, all Class E felonies.

Authorities say Smith illegally obtained $1,645 in SNAP (Food Stamps) benefits from New York State while also receiving assistance from North Carolina. The investigation, initiated in June 2023, was prompted by a complaint from the Cattaraugus County Department of Social Services (DSS).

The DSS Program Integrity Unit assisted in the investigation, leading to Smith’s arrest at the Cattaraugus County DSS office in Olean. She was taken into custody without incident, processed, and released with an appearance ticket.

Smith is scheduled to appear in City of Olean Court on April 15, 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.