Press release
The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with the Orleans County Department of Social Services (DSS) Welfare Fraud Investigative Unit, have arrested 9 individuals involved in welfare fraud schemes over the past 3 days.
The arrests follow a lengthy investigation into fraudulent activities that resulted in the theft of public funds.
The investigation revealed that the suspects submitted false information to obtain public assistance benefits to which they were not entitled. These criminal actions resulted in a significant financial loss to the public welfare system and taxpayers.
The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigators Colonna, Pahuta and Marsceill, working alongside the DSS Welfare Fraud Investigative Unit, conducted a thorough and diligent investigation into the fraudulent activities. Successful arrests serve as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding public resources, protecting taxpayers and ensuring that individuals who exploit the welfare system are held accountable.
All suspects were processed, issued appearance tickets, pursuant to NYS Bail Laws, and will be arraigned in the Town of Albion Court on 2/11/2025
The following individuals were taken into custody:
Victoria Taylor, arrested for Welfare Fraud 4th Degree and Grand Larceny 4th Degree, totaling $2,640.00 in fraudulent claims.
Brittanie Makowiecki, arrested for Welfare Fraud 3rd Degree, offering a False Instrument for Filing 1st Degree, totaling $6,373.00 in stolen benefits.
Jean Johnson, arrested for Welfare Fraud 3rd Degree, Grand Larceny 3rd Degree, and Offering a False Instrument for Filing 1st Degree, totaling $5,572.00 in fraudulent payments
Raylene McGuire, arrested for Welfare Fraud 4th Degree and Offering a False Statement for Filing 1st Degree, totaling $1,202.00 in fraudulent claims.
Nicole Brady, arrested for Welfare fraud 4th Degree, totaling $2,556.00 in fraudulent claims.
Kelly Taylor, arrested for Welfare fraud 5th Degree, totaling $787.37 in fraudulent claims.
Robert Mcelwain, arrested for Welfare fraud 4th Degree, offering a false instrument for filing, totaling $1,164.00 in fraudulent claims.
Christopher Tetrault, arrested for Welfare Fraud 4th Degree, Grand Larceny 4th Degree, totaling $1,162.00 in fraudulent claims.
William Scott Jr., arrested for Welfare Fraud 4th Degree, Grand Larceny 4th Degree, totaling $2,318.00 in fraudulent claims.