Sidney woman pleads not guilty to welfare fraud

DELHI, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – A Sidney woman is facing felony charges after allegedly committing welfare fraud.

Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith announced that 22-year-old Nalya Jimenez appeared in court on Monday for arraignment on a four-count indictment. Jimenez was charged with Welfare Fraud in the Fourth Degree, a Class E Felony; Offering a False Instrument in the First Degree, a Class E Felony; Welfare Fraud in the Third Degree, a Class D Felony; and Offering a False Instrument in the First Degree, a Class E Felony.

Jimenez was indicted after evidence was presented to the Delaware County Grand Jury. She pled not guilty to all counts.

Jiminez allegedly provided misinformation while applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). She is being accused of concealing her income from several sources, including a full-time job, that would have considered her ineligible to receive the benefits she was collecting.

It is suspected that Jimenez improperly received $5,679 in public benefits.

“I commend the Delaware County Welfare Fraud Investigation Unit for their thorough investigation of this case. My office will continue the work we have done with the Delaware County Department of Social Services to make sure those improperly receiving benefits are held accountable,” said Smith.

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