WATERTOWN, NY – A Watertown resident, Alexandria Bellinger, of 820 Cooper Street, has been charged with multiple felonies, including Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, and Welfare Fraud in the Third Degree. Authorities allege that Bellinger knowingly submitted fraudulent applications to obtain government assistance benefits to which she was not entitled.
Allegations of Fraudulent Benefit Applications
According to law enforcement officials, Bellinger submitted applications for Temporary Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) to the Jefferson County Department of Social Services on three separate occasions—December 20, 2021; October 3, 2022; and January 3, 2023.
Investigators allege that Bellinger knowingly provided false information regarding her household composition and income on these applications. As a result, she fraudulently obtained $11,464.67 in benefits that she was not eligible to receive.
Criminal Charges
Due to the alleged fraudulent actions, Bellinger faces the following charges:
- Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree: This charge applies when a person knowingly submits a written document containing false information with the intent to defraud a state or local government agency.
- Grand Larceny in the Third Degree: Under New York law, an individual is guilty of this offense if they steal property exceeding $3,000 in value. Authorities claim that Bellinger’s fraudulent actions resulted in the wrongful acquisition of $11,464.67 in government benefits.
- Welfare Fraud in the Third Degree: This charge is applied when a person fraudulently obtains public assistance benefits exceeding $3,000. According to officials, Bellinger knowingly omitted critical financial information to qualify for benefits she was not entitled to receive.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The Jefferson County Department of Social Services and local law enforcement officials conducted the investigation that led to Bellinger’s arrest. The case will proceed through the Jefferson County Court system, where she will face legal proceedings related to these charges.
If convicted, Bellinger could face significant penalties, including potential jail time and financial restitution. Officials continue to emphasize the importance of maintaining integrity in government assistance programs and warn that fraudulent activities will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
This case serves as a reminder that fraudulently obtaining government benefits is a serious offense, and authorities remain vigilant in identifying and prosecuting those who attempt to exploit public assistance programs.
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