Home Improvement Contractor Pleads Guilty for Fraudulently Collecting Public Assistance Benefits

Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Rodney Jones, 60, of Buffalo pleaded guilty this afternoon before State Supreme Court Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek to one count of Attempted Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree and one count of Welfare Fraud in the Fifth Degree (Class “A” misdemeanors). 

The defendant admitted that he fraudulently collected more than $82,000 in public assistance benefits while operating a home improvement business. Between July 2014 and October 2023, the defendant knowingly and intentionally concealed income earned by himself and his wife in order to obtain Social Security Disability benefits. The defendant also falsified applications with the Erie County Department of Social Services to obtain Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

The defendant was permitted to enter a plea to a reduced charge on the condition that he pay full restitution ahead of his sentence. Today, Jones paid full restitution of $9,707 to the Erie County Department of Social Services and $72,459.43 to the Social Security Administration.

Jones faces a maximum of one year in jail when he is sentenced on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. He was released on his own recognizance. 

“In addition to pleading guilty for this crime, I am pleased to announce that this defendant has paid back all of the money he stole from the taxpayers of New York. Disabled individuals and low-income families rely on these benefits. Thank you to our partners in the Offices of the New York State Inspector General for their work in this investigation. Together, we will continue to uncover the criminals who defraud social service systems and hold them accountable for their crimes,” said Acting Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane.

“SNAP benefits are an essential resource for low-income New Yorkers, and this person’s theft of resources from those truly in need is inexcusable,” said New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang. “We are committed to ensuring these vital programs direct taxpayer dollars only to those who truly qualify and need their support.”

Acting DA Keane commends the New York State Inspector General’s Office for their work in this investigation.  

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Norvella C. Pendergrass of the Special Investigations and Prosecutions Bureau.