WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – Watertown police say a city man committed welfare fraud to get more than $36,000 worth of benefits he wasn’t eligible for.
Hassan McKnight, 45, is accused of lying about his household income on multiple applications for food stamps and other aid.
He allegedly received more than $34,000 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, also known as SNAP.
McKnight is also accused of stealing nearly $900 from the Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP, and another $800 in temporary assistance.
The fraud allegedly happened from 2018 through 2023.
McKnight was charged with felony counts of welfare fraud, grand larceny, misuse of food stamps and offering a false instrument for filing.
McKnight was arraigned in city court and released.
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This involves defrauding the state or using government systems to steal from individuals.
- Tax Identity Theft: A criminal uses your ID and income details to file a tax return in your name and claim a refund before you do.
- Grant/Benefit Fraud: Falsely claiming unemployment, disability, or social grants that the perpetrator is not entitled to.