Buffalo Woman Charged With Stealing Over $3,000 In Snap Benefits

New York State Inspector General Letizia Tagliafierro today announced the arrest of a Buffalo woman who stole $3,740 in New York State Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by failing to report her employment income when applying for welfare benefits.

Angela Tarver, 51, of Buffalo, NY, was charged with Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, Welfare Fraud in the Third Degree, and Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, all felonies.

An investigation by the Offices of the Inspector General and Erie County Department of Social Services found that Tarver lied on her application for SNAP benefits by claiming she was unemployed. At the time of her false filing, Tarver was employed by First Light Home Care, a/k/a Ciambella Home Care LLC. Tarver would not have qualified for these benefits had she accurately reported her employment income.

“We expect that all individuals who seek public assistance to be in actual need of such help,” said Inspector General Tagliafierro. “When individuals attempt to cheat the system, they are breaching the public’s trust. We will continue to be vigilant and protect the integrity of these vital programs.”

Tarver was arraigned on the charges in Buffalo City Court and released on her own recognizance. Tarver is schedule to return to court on November 19, 2019.

Inspector General Tagliafierro thanked the Erie County Department of Social Services for their partnership with the investigation, the New York State Police for their assistance with the arrest, and Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn and his office for prosecuting this case.

The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.