The Erie County Department of Social Services credits its Special Investigations Division for effectively collaborating in an investigation that led to the prosecution of an individual who committed welfare fraud in Erie County.
Special Investigator Paul Wasch and Assistant Special Investigator Paul Dusza completed a cohabitation case investigation that resulted in a guilty plea by Stephanie Jurek, a recipient of Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in Erie County. Jurek was prosecuted by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office and pled guilty to Welfare Fraud in the fourth degree, which is a felony. Jurek was found to have concealed the presence of the father of her children in her household.
The over-payment in this case totaled $32,653.72, an amount roughly split between Medicaid and SNAP. ECDSS thanks the work of its SID staff for their diligent work in identifying and helping to prosecute welfare fraud in Erie County.

NEW YORK STATE POLICE
Major Edward J. Kennedy
Troop A Commander

PRESS RELEASE:

Almond woman arrested for welfare fraud, filing a false instrument

On August 22, 2019, SP Amity Troopers arrested Mary B. Wiles, 33, of Almond, NY for Welfare Fraud 3rd Degree and Filing a False Instrument 1st Degree.

An investigation led Troopers to discover Wiles had filed false paperwork with Allegany County DSS while applying for public assistance, which resulted in Wiles receiving $9,052.28 in benefits to which she was not entitled.

Wiles was arrested and arraigned in Friendship Town Court where she was remanded to the Allegany County Jail in lieu of $5,000 bail or $10,000 bond. She is due to appear in Belmont Village Court at a later date.