PLEA IN WELFARE FRAUD CASE

DELHI - Delaware County District Attorney Shawn J. Smith announced that Courtney O’Neill, 48, of Delhi, New York, appeared in Delaware County Court on August 19th and plead guilty to Welfare Fraud in the Fifth Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor.

The defendant appeared in County Court for a plea and sentencing.  The Honorable John L. Hubbard accepted the defendant’s plea and adjourned sentencing for one year.  The Court placed the defendant on interim probation during that period. A specific condition of probation requires that she must pay restitution to the Delaware County Department of Social Services.  The defendant was also ordered to provide a sample of her DNA for inclusion in the New York State DNA data bank and pay the $50.00 DNA fee.  

District Attorney Smith commended the work of the Department of Social Services. “I want to thank Investigator Richard Gerace for his thorough investigation into this case. My office will continue to prosecute individuals that steal from public assistance programs.” 

If you suspect someone of committing welfare fraud, please call the fraud hotline at 607-832-5404.