MOUNT MORRIS – A 32-year-old Batavia woman, Jesika Kuyal, has been charged with multiple felonies following an investigation into alleged welfare fraud by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation began in July after the Livingston County Department of Social Services flagged potential fraud. Authorities allege that Kuyal, formerly of Springwater, was receiving public assistance benefits while failing to disclose additional household income.
According to investigators, the unreported income made Kuyal ineligible for the benefits she received, leading to charges of fourth-degree grand larceny, fourth-degree welfare fraud, and first-degree offering a false instrument for filing—all class E felonies.
Sheriff’s Investigator James Merrick arrested Kuyal on July 16. The welfare fraud charge indicates that the fraudulent benefits exceeded $1,000, consistent with state Penal Law definitions.
After arrest processing at Livingston County Jail, Kuyal was released with an appearance ticket, as the charges are not subject to bail under New York State’s Bail Reform Act.
The case was investigated by the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division with support from the Department of Social Services and the Livingston County District Attorney’s Office.
