Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Blotter

After an investigation into a complaint from the Cattaraugus County Department of Social Services of suspected welfare fraud, Helen M. Washington, 74 of Olean, was arrested and charged with four counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the 1st  Degree (E Felony), Grand Larceny in the 4th Degree (E Felony), Welfare Fraud in the 4th Degree (E Felony) and Making a Punishable False Written Statement (A Misdemeanor). The arrest was the result of the suspect submitting SNAP and HEAP applications to the Department of Social Services which allegedly contained false information, resulting in the defendant fraudulently receiving $2,903 in SNAP benefits. During the course of the investigation, deputies said Washington also gave a written statement under penalty of perjury that contained false information. She turned herself in at the Department of Social Services and was released to appear on February 20, 2018 at 9 a.m. at the Olean City Court.

After an investigation into a complaint from the Cattaraugus County Department of Social Services of suspected welfare fraud, Robert J. Washington, 38 of Olean, was arrested and charged with five counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the 1st Degree (E Felony). The arrest was the result of the suspect submitting SNAP, Public Assistance and HEAP applications to the Department of Social Services which allegedly contained false information. He turned himself in at the Department of Social Services and was released to appear on February 20, 2018 at 9 a.m. at the Olean City Court.