Mount Morris, NY – An Avon resident faces multiple felony charges this week after investigators with the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office concluded a welfare fraud inquiry that began earlier this year.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the investigation started when the Livingston County Department of Social Services contacted deputies regarding a possible case of fraudulent benefits reporting. Authorities allege that 31-year-old Isabel Maldonado-Bermudez failed to accurately disclose her household composition and income, resulting in an overpayment of SNAP and Cash Assistance benefits from May through August of 2025.
Sheriff’s Investigator James Merrick arrested Maldonado-Bermudez on December 1, 2025, charging her with felony Welfare Fraud in the Third Degree, felony Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, and felony Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree. Deputies transported her to the Livingston County Jail, where she was processed and held for pre-arraignment detention.
Maldonado-Bermudez was later arraigned at the Livingston County Centralized Arraignment Part before Village of Dansville Justice Kenney. She was released on her own recognizance, as the charges do not qualify for bail under New York’s bail reform laws.
The Livingston County Public Defender’s Office represented Maldonado-Bermudez during the arraignment. The Livingston County District Attorney’s Office also appeared on behalf of the People.
The investigation was assisted by the Livingston County Department of Social Services and the Livingston County District Attorney’s Office.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
