NORWICH – Fraud investigators have charged five people receiving welfare benefits with a number of crimes after they allegedly misled social workers and collected more than $14,000 they were not entitled to.

The Department of Social Services Welfare Fraud Investigations Unit and the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested five people accused of failing to report changes in their living arrangements or income to DSS after originally being approved for some of the money. Each of the four cases are unrelated and were investigated separately, reported investigators.

• 54-year-old David L. and 52-year-old Kandi L. Micha, both of Smithville, were charged with third degree welfare fraud and first degree offering a false instrument for filing, both felonies. Allegedly the Michas stole $5,990.00 in aid.

• Nadine S. Spencer, 49, Otselic, was charged with third degree welfare fraud and second degree offering a false instrument for filing after allegedly stealing $4,155 worth of benefits.

• Rebecca M. Pickard, 34, Lincklaen, was charged with third degree welfare fraud and second degree offering a false instrument for filing. Allegedly, Pickard stole $3,900 in aid.