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Former Elba resident charged with food stamp fraud

By Howard B. Owens

A woman accused of getting more than $21,000 in food stamps she shouldn't have received has been charged with seven counts of offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree.

Kelly Spenton, 36, allegedly lived with an employed person from March 2005 to March 2008 while she was collecting food stamps from the Department of Social Services.

Spenton, formerly of Elba, allegedly did not report this living arrangement to DSS.

The charges are felonies.

Batavia Town Justice Thomas Williams set bail in this case at $10,000, but Spenton is already in jail on a previous conviction.

Robin Walters

One thing that I have never understood, is how do these situations go on for years and then after thousand of dollars .. it is found out.

I also do not understand how people can go so long and far on delinquent child support , into thousands of dollars before something is done..

It all just ceases to amaze me.
Years ago, when I lived in PA and my daughter was born. (17 years ago) I qualifed for the WIC program. Once they made me eligible I was eligible for a full year. Now mind you, I went back to work after the 6 week maternity leave and told them I no longer needed the help, but they said once you are qualified, you are good for a year.. not sure how the program is run now adays.. but honestly why would they just not have taken me off when I was willing to be off the program..

There is just something very broken within the systems ands the programs available. There are people that really do need assistance yet cannot get it and then of course their is the abusers. I vote for getting the whole system revamped in some way. Just a thought for today.

Sep 11, 2009, 10:04pm Permalink
Amy Davis

I'm with you Robin. My opinion is...now days most people are thinking: "I'll take what ever I can get". We get "taken" on so many other things, how can they think any different?

WIC is a wonderful program that's been around for a long time to help new moms and struggling families provide some neccessary nutrition for their children.

Check local papers and ebay for the infant formula (unused), etc. that is for sale. When an infant is off the formula, what do they do with it, throw it out? If they can't give it back, the program is losing monies they could use to help someone else.

Thus, They are trying to make a bit of cash for the "program allowances" they don't really need anymore.

Sep 11, 2009, 11:56pm Permalink
Robin Walters

Amy,
Never thought about that people would try to sell the unused formula. Unreal.

With being involved with Care-A-Van Ministries and being on the forefront in the streets, I see so many needs that just break my heart. I see the people that are on that fine line, trying to make a go of it, but not quite able to survive, need help and cannot get it.

WIC is a wonderful program. Also All Babies Cherished here in town is a wonderful organization as well.

Sep 12, 2009, 8:18am Permalink
George Richardson

Robin,
That Care-A-Van thing is a wonderful gift to Batavia. You're doing good just for the sake of doing good and I commend you. It makes me proud to know people like yourself exist in my hometown. I like to think I am the same type of person that you are, but I flatter myself with that thought. The best I can hope for is to do no harm and wait for kinder more loving days to return everywhere. I'm ready for a repeat of the 60's, is anyone else on board? Take your time, if you have to, but if you are ready already then the World welcomes you, as do I.

Sep 12, 2009, 4:53pm Permalink
Mary E DelPlato

With what very little one gets no wonder some get tempted to cheat the system. I dont know this lady and I dont know what predicament shes in. But I will say this, a politician who "steals" gets a slap on the hand or pays a fine her or she can afford. A desperate poor person gets time and had to pay a find they cannot afford.

Sep 13, 2009, 6:44pm Permalink

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