(Oneida, NY – Nov. 10, 2015) After a year-long investigation by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and the Madison County District Attorney’s office, Sheriff’s Investigators arrested Tanya M. Chesebro, 34, of Oneida for several felony charges regarding fraud on Nov. 9.
On Oct. 3, 2014 an investigation was initiated by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, after receiving an anonymous report that Chesebro was committing welfare fraud. During the course of the investigation it was determined that Chesebro had been receiving income for labor she was doing while collecting food stamps from Madison County, and Workers compensation from New York State. This case investigation was a cooperative effort between the Sheriff’s Office, Madison County District Attorney’s Office and Madison County Department of Social Services.
By not reporting this income, Chesebro received $2,567 in food stamp (SNAP) benefits, and $15,849 from the New York State Insurance Fund, which she was not entitled to. Combined, Chesebro received benefits totaling $18, 416.
Chesebro was charged with 20 counts of first-degree Making an apparently false sworn statement (E Felony), third-degree Grand Larceny (D Felony), fourth-degree Grand Larceny (E Felony), fourth-degree Welfare Fraud (E Felony), and third-degree Insurance Fraud (D Felony).
Chesebro was arraigned in the Town of Lincoln court and remanded to the Madison County Jail in lieu of $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 bond. Chesebro will appear in the Town of Lenox Court today to answer charges.