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Batavia scrap recycler admits to welfare fraud

By Howard B. Owens

A Batavia resident has admitted in Batavia Town Court that he was working as a self-employed scrap recycler while obtaining social services benefits.

Lee Heckman, 35, of 5 Fairmont Ave., Batavia, entered a guilty plea to one count of attempted grand larceny, 4th.

Heckman admitted to obtaining $2,176 in temporary assistance and food stamps from DSS under false pretenses from March 2011 to July 2011.

As part of his plea, Heckman agreed to pay back DSS the $2,176 by the time he is sentenced on June 25. He is disqualified from further public assistance through DSS.

Heckman is out of jail and under the supervision of Genesee Justice.

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