Hornell woman arrested for food stamp abuse and witness tampering

Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard reports the arrest of Samantha R. Hess on July 12, 2024. Hess, 31, of Stephens Avenue in Hornell, is alleged to have misused her EBT card and another person’s EBT card to purchase groceries for a third party in January 2024, in violation of the Social Services Act.

Hess is also accused of tampering with witnesses by attempting to influence their testimony to investigators. She was charged with food stamp abuse, petty theft and fourth-degree witness tampering, all misdemeanors.

Hess was released on a summons and will appear in Bath Village Court at a later date. The Steuben County Department of Social Services and the District Attorney’s Office were involved in the investigation.

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