A New York woman faces two felony charges after investigators said she failed to report income and received $1,223 in excess food assistance. The allegation concerns the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which helps eligible households purchase food.
Maria Gonzalez, of Auburn, was arrested October 28 on an outstanding warrant issued by Auburn City Court. Sheriff Brian Schenck described the case in a November 6 announcement reported by FingerLakes1.
The Cayuga County Department of Social Services Case Integrity Unit conducted the investigation. The sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Division and the District Attorney’s Office assisted, according to Finger Lakes Daily News.
Sheriff’s Report Lists Welfare Fraud and Grand Larceny Charges
The sheriff’s November 2 arrest summary records Gonzalez’s October 28 arrest and lists fourth-degree welfare fraud and fourth-degree grand larceny. Both are classified as Class E felonies.
Gonzalez was processed at the Public Safety Building and released on an appearance ticket directing her to return to Auburn City Court, according to Finger Lakes Daily News. She is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The eCourts case summary identifies the matter as CR-02485-26 and lists an incident date of August 1, 2025. The record, captured November 9, schedules a pretrial conference for December 4 at 9:15 a.m. in Auburn City Court before Judge David B. Thurston.
Both Charges Carry a Threshold Above $1,000
Under New York’s fourth-degree welfare fraud law, a fraudulent welfare act that results in more than $1,000 in public assistance benefits can constitute a Class E felony. The grand larceny provision cited in Gonzalez’s arrest report also applies to property valued at more than $1,000.
The alleged $1,223 overpayment exceeds those monetary thresholds, but the amount alone does not establish guilt. New York’s definition of a fraudulent welfare act requires knowing conduct and an intent to defraud, along with the other statutory elements.
SNAP Reporting Rules Depend on the Household
New York advises recipients that changes in household circumstances may need to be reported depending on the rules applying to their household. Recipients can review the state’s SNAP Change Report Form or ask their local social services office which changes and deadlines apply.
Changes can be submitted through myBenefits. Cayuga County residents can reach the county SNAP office at 315-253-1210 or visit its third-floor office at 63 Genesee Street in Auburn.