LOCKPORT, N.Y. -- A Lockport man apparently thought he found a clever way to supplement his income.

John J. Taylor, 54, of Lockport, was arrested Feb. 3 for allegedly walking into supermarkets and claiming that employees spilled milk on him, and then receiving money and gift cards to reimburse him for his cleaning bills.

He has been charged with scheme to defraud in the second degree and released on a ticket to appear in court March 16.

Among the locations he is accused of attempting his scheme is the rest stop market in Pembroke. Other reported locations: Lockport, Clarence, Williamsville, Attica, Silver Creek and Seneca Falls.

State police said, "The investigation revealed that Taylor has contacted numerous supermarkets, restaurants, retail stores and convenience stores in the past several years attempting to obtain money or gift cards for fraudulent complaints."

From the VA Medical Center:

Veterans in Lockport and surrounding areas can learn about their VA health care and other veterans benefits at an event being held at the VA clinic in Lockport, 5883 Snyder Drive, Saturday, February 21 from 10am to 1pm. Staff and veterans benefits counselors will assist veterans with eligibility for VA health care, and other state and federal benefits that veterans may have coming to them that often go unused. Benefits have recently been extended for veterans returning from combat that includes five years of free medical care for most conditions from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The five year window is also open to activated Reservists and members of the National Guard, if they served in a theater of combat operations after November 11, 1998 and were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. The five year limit has no effect upon veterans with medical conditions related to their military service. Veterans may apply at any time after their discharge from the military, even decades later for medical care for service-connected health problems.
 
Representatives from the VA Lockport Clinic, NY State Division of Veterans Affairs, Niagara County Veterans Service Office and VA Western New York Healthcare System will be available to answer questions. Bring discharge papers and financial records for accurate benefits counseling. For more information, you may contact the VA clinic in Lockport at 438-3890.