Allegany County: Two face welfare charges

The Allegany County District Attorney's Office is enhancing its effort to control and prosecute welfare fraud cases.

Police report the arrest of Michelle Webster, 46, of Milton Street in Belmont. She was charged with offering a false instrument for filing with intent to defraud and 4th degree welfare fraud, both Class E felonies. According to the DA's office, Webster received $2,095 in SNAP she was not entitled to. Paperwork submitted to WRN shows it is Webster's first SNAP disqualification.

Police also arrested Michelle L. Prentice, 52, of Baldwin Road in Wellsville. She was charged with 5th degree welfare fraud for allegedly receiving about $500 in benefit after she allegedly failed to report income.
Assistant District Attorney Mike Finn said the DA's Office has ramped up its prosecution of welfare fraud related cases.