ELIZABETHTOWN, NY — New York State Police charged a woman with welfare fraud April 4, 2026.
Carmen Burns, 56, of Lake Placid, was charged with grand larceny 3rd degree, welfare fraud 3rd degree, offering a false instrument for filing 1st degree, and falsifying business records 1st degree.
State police received an investigative packet Jan. 27, 2026, from Essex County Department of Social Services Welfare Fraud Unit regarding suspected welfare fraud.
An investigation determined that Burns falsified multiple Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program applications by failing to report her household composition accurately, resulting in an overpayment of approximately $6,809.
Burns was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Elizabethtown Town Court at a later date.
