Mayville, N.Y. (WBEN) - Chautauqua County prosecutors say an investigation between the Program Integrity Unit (PIU), the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office and the Chautauqua County Sheriff Department’s Criminal Investigation Division resulted in a 20-count indictment being handed down by a Chautauqua County Grand Jury.
The indictment was unsealed following the arraignment of 38-year-old Amber Tibbetts of Jamestown. Tibbetts has been charged with six counts of Tampering with Public Records in the First Degree, four counts of Forgery in the Second Degree, six counts of Identity Theft in the Second Degree, three counts of Petit Larceny and one count Corrupting the Government in the Fourth Degree after using her position within the Department of Social Services to fraudulently obtain temporary assistance funds from the county.
Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt says Tibbetts used existing Social Service clients’ information to issue benefit cards directly to herself. Schmidt says the investigation was initiated after two of the victims contacted Social Services to report suspicious activity on their benefits card.
"Taxpayers deserve to know that strong safeguards are in place to protect public resources and ensure accountability at every level of government," said County Executive Paul M. Wendel Jr. "The work of the Program Integrity Unit reflects our commitment to responsible government and demonstrates the value of having dedicated professionals reviewing programs, identifying concerns, and taking action when necessary."
"The Program Integrity Unit exists to ensure that public assistance programs operate with integrity and that resources are available for those who legitimately need them," said Carmelo Hernandez, Director of Mental Hygiene and Social Services. "Our staff are committed to protecting the public trust through careful oversight, thorough reviews, and collaboration with our law enforcement partners when circumstances warrant additional investigation."
Following the reports, the PIU immediately began investigating and quickly involved the Sheriff’s Department and the District Attorney’s Office.
Tibbetts was arraigned on Aug. 5, where she pled not guilty and was released on her own recognizance. Her next court date is Sept. 9.
The county's Public Integrity Unit says the employee falsely obtained benefit cards for herself
The county's Public Integrity Unit says the employee falsely obtained benefit cards for herself
