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Niagara County Sheriff Jim Voutour

Four East Niagara residents were charged following joint investigations by the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office Welfare Fraud Unit and the Niagara County Department of Social Services.

The investigations revealed 15 cases of fraud over the last month resulting in individuals receiving $28,000 in benefits they weren't entitled to, according to the Niagara County Sheriff's Office.

East Niagara residents charged in the investigations were:

• David Watts Sr. of Newfane, charged with filing a false written statement and obstruction of governmental administration 
• Justin Wittcop of Gasport, charged with third-degree grand larceny, third-degree welfare fraud, and first-degree offering a false instrument for filing
• Brian Moreland of Olcott, charged with first degree offering a false instrument for filing
• Orval Hill of Lockport, charged with third-degree grand larceny, third-degree welfare fraud, and first-degree offering a false instrument for filing

Sheriff Jim Voutour stated “the cost of welfare in Niagara County continues to be a massive burden for our taxpayers. There is no room for fraud and the Sheriff’s Office will continue to arrest and prosecute those who intend to cheat the system.”

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