Buffalo Woman Convicted Of Stealing More Than $3,000 In Food Stamp Benefits

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

Angela Tarver, 51, of Buffalo, NY, pled guilty to Disorderly Conduct, a violation, after lying about her income to become eligible for $3,740 in SNAP benefits. At the time of her 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. As a part of her plea, Tarver agreed to make full restitution and will be sentenced December 17.

“SNAP benefits are a critical part of our social safety net, and we will not accept abuse of the system by those who lie in order to gain funds they do not need,” said Inspector General Tagliafierro. “My office stands ready to assist in ensuring that welfare benefits only go to those who need them.”

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.