9 charged with welfare fraud in Orleans County

Staff Reports Posted 8 February 2025 at 6:05 pm

ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with the Orleans County Department of Social Services Welfare Fraud Investigative Unit, has arrested 9 individuals involved in welfare fraud.

The arrests follow a lengthy investigation into fraudulent activities that resulted in the theft of public funds.

The following individuals were taken into custody:

• Victoria Taylor – arrested for welfare fraud 4th degree totaling $2,640 and grand larceny 4th degree.

• Brittanie Makowiecki – arrested for welfare fraud 3rd degree totaling $6,373, and offering a false instrument for filing 1st degree.

• Jean Johnson – arrested for welfare fraud 3rd degree totaling $5,572, grand larceny 3rd degree, and offering a false instrument for filing 1st degree.

• Raylene McGuire – arrested for welfare fraud 4th degree totaling $1,202 and offering a false statement for filing 1st degree.

• Nicole Brady – arrested for welfare fraud 4th degree totaling $2,556.

• Kelly Taylor – arrested for welfare fraud 5th degree, totaling $787.

• Robert McElwain – arrested for welfare fraud 4th degree, offering a false instrument for filing, totaling $1,164.00 in fraudulent claims.

• Christopher Tetrault – arrested for welfare fraud 4th degree totaling $1,162, grand larceny 4th degree.

• William Scott Jr. – arrested for welfare fraud 4th degree totaling $2,318, grand larceny 4th degree.

The investigation revealed that the suspects submitted false information to obtain public assistance benefits to which they were not entitled, said Sheriff Chris Bourke.

The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigators Kevin Colonna, Devon Pahuta and Brian Marsceill, working alongside the DSS Welfare Fraud Investigative Unit, conducted a thorough investigation into the fraudulent activities, Bourke said.

“The arrests serve as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding public resources, protecting taxpayers and ensuring that individuals who exploit the welfare system are held accountable,” Bourke said.

All suspects were processed, issued desk appearance tickets and will be arraigned in the Town of Albion Court on Feb. 11.