Woman charged with hiding income to pocket $12K in illegal SNAP funds

TOWN OF ADAMS, New York (WWNY/Gray News) - A woman was arrested Wednesday on four felony charges alleging she fraudulently obtained more than $12,000 in SNAP benefits, authorities said.

According to an arrest report and felony complaints in Watertown City Court, Nicole Brown, 35, of Adams, was charged with first-degree offering a false instrument for filing, third-degree grand larceny, third-degree welfare fraud and misuse of food stamps.

The complaints allege that from Nov. 1, 2022, through Oct. 31, 2024, Brown obtained $12,037 in SNAP benefits from the Jefferson County Department of Social Services under false pretenses.

Investigators said Brown failed to give the department accurate information about her income on an application and two periodic reports, which she submitted knowing they contained inaccurate information.

Brown was arrested Wednesday, processeD and held pending arraignment in Watertown City Court.