On March 28, Onondaga County New York Sheriffs announced the arrests of 42 people accused of defrauding the state of some $624,000 in welfare benefits.
Syracuse resident Sharena Taylor stands accused of stealing the greatest amount, $71,441.01. Two others are accused of stealing more than $30,000 and four more are said to have taken over $20,000 each. 42 people in all were arrested.
“There are few frauds more egregious than people who apply for and use public assistance benefits when they are not eligible,” District Attorney William Fitzpatrick told the media. “They are not only stealing from tax paying citizens, they hurt those who truly need public assistance.”
The raids on the homes of the 42 individuals were carried out by a joint force consisting of the county sheriffs, the Department of Social Services, and the state District Attorney’s office, along with participation from the New York State Police as well as officers from the cities of Syracuse, Manlius, Geddes, Camillus, Solvay, East Syracuse, and DeWitt.
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