A Cazenovia woman was arrested by Madison County Sheriff’s Office Investigators after illegally collecting nearly $5,000 in public assistance benefits.

Tonnie S. Newcomb, 38, of Cazenovia, was arrested on Feb. 7 and charged with welfare fraud in the third degree (class “D” felony), grand larceny in the third degree (class “D” felony) and offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree (class “E” felony).

It is alleged that Newcomb filed public assistance documentation with the Madison County Department of Social Services which indicated that her children were living with her at her residence when in fact they were living at another residence. Due to this fraudulent act, Newcomb was provided $4,698 in public assistance benefits that she would not have otherwise received.

Newcomb was arraigned at the City of Oneida Court and released on her own recognizance.

She is scheduled to appear at the Town of Lenox Court on February 27 to answer the charges.