Mug shots of those arrested in Oswego County Syracuse (WSYR-TV) – Dozens of people were charged in a welfare-fraud sweep that took place Thursday across Onondaga, Oswego and Oneida counties.
In Onondaga County, the Department of Social Services (DSS) estimates that the 43 people that were arrested bilked taxpayers out of around $719,000.
In Oswego County, officials say 15 people were arrested who allegedly swindled the system out of more than $109,000.
In Oneida County, 20 more people were arrested for various offenses related to welfare fraud – totaling $36,687.84. Twelve of those individuals remain at-large.
The Onondaga County campaign was the result of a year-long investigation that included the Department of Social Services and the District Attorney's office.
Authorities in Oswego County concluded their investigation in October 2012.
They say the fraudsters were caught with the help of tipsters in various communities and after the DSS identified discrepancies in the suspects' paperwork.
Charges against those accused include welfare fraud, misuse of food stamps, grand larceny, offering false instrument for filing and public assistance fraud.
