MAYVILLE, N.Y. — Chautauqua County officials are highlighting the important work of the Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services' Program Integrity Unit (PIU), the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, whose efforts help safeguard public resources, protect taxpayer dollars, and ensure the integrity of programs serving county residents.
The Program Integrity Unit plays a critical role in reviewing potential instances of fraud, waste, abuse, and noncompliance through audits, case reviews, data analysis, referrals, and community complaints. The unit works closely with department leadership and investigative partners to ensure concerns are thoroughly reviewed and addressed when appropriate.
The effectiveness of those efforts was recently demonstrated through a review conducted by the Department that identified concerns warranting further investigation by law enforcement. Information developed through the Department's internal oversight processes was referred to the appropriate authorities and ultimately contributed to a joint investigation between the Program Integrity Unit, the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff Department’s Criminal Investigation Division that resulted in a twenty-count indictment being handed down by a Chautauqua County Grand Jury. The indictment was unsealed following the arraignment of Amber Tibbetts, age 38, of Jamestown.
Under the supervision of District Attorney Jason Schmidt, Ms. Tibbetts has been charged with six counts of Tampering with Public Records in the First Degree, four counts of Forgery in the Second Degree, six counts of Identity Theft in the Second Degree, three counts of Petit Larceny and one count Corrupting the Government in the Fourth Degree after using her position within the Department of Social Services to fraudulently obtain temporary assistance funds from the County. Ms. Tibbetts used existing Social Service clients’ information to issue benefit cards directly to herself. The investigation was initiated after two of the victims contacted Social Services to report suspicious activity on their benefits card. Following the reports, the Program Integrity Unit immediately began investigating and quickly involved the Sheriff’s Department and the District Attorney’s Office.
Ms. Tibbetts was arraigned by Judge David Foley on August 5th and pled not guilty, she is being represented by Lyle Hajdu, Esq. Pursuant to NYS Bail Laws Ms. Tibbetts was released on her own recognizance. The next court date is September 9th for a Discovery Conference.
"Taxpayers deserve to know that strong safeguards are in place to protect public resources and ensure accountability at every level of government," said County Executive Paul M. Wendel Jr. "The work of the Program Integrity Unit reflects our commitment to responsible government and demonstrates the value of having dedicated professionals reviewing programs, identifying concerns, and taking action when necessary."
Established to strengthen oversight and accountability within public assistance programs, the Program Integrity Unit routinely evaluates program operations, reviews allegations of potential fraud, and works to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements. The unit also reviews information received through fraud reporting channels and investigates concerns raised by employees, service providers, recipients, and members of the public.
"The Program Integrity Unit exists to ensure that public assistance programs operate with integrity and that resources are available for those who legitimately need them," said Carmelo Hernandez, Director of Mental Hygiene and Social Services. "Our staff are committed to protecting the public trust through careful oversight, thorough reviews, and collaboration with our law enforcement partners when circumstances warrant additional investigation."
County officials note that the overwhelming majority of public employees faithfully serve residents and administer programs with professionalism and integrity. The County's oversight systems are designed not only to identify potential misconduct when it occurs, but also to strengthen public confidence in government operations.
"This is an example of government accountability working as intended," Wendel said. "When concerns are identified, they are reviewed, investigated, and addressed through established processes. That commitment to transparency and stewardship is essential to maintaining the trust of our residents."
The Program Integrity Unit, a Sheriff Investigator with the Criminal Investigation Division and an Assistant District Attorney work together year-round to review and investigate claims of fraud involving temporary assistance benefits.
The Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services encourages employees, recipients, service providers, and community members to report suspected fraud, misuse of benefits, or other concerns by calling 800-388-5365 or visit chautauquacountyny.gov/humansocial-services/program-integrity-unit. Information received is carefully evaluated and, when warranted, referred for further investigation.
