Waterloo Woman Charged in Connection with Benefit Fraud Investigation

The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of a Waterloo resident following an investigation by the Seneca County Department of Human Services (DHS).

According to Sheriff Timothy Thompson, 51-year-old Vera S. Powell was taken into custody on February 5, 2025. She has been charged with two counts of offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree, a Class E felony.

The charges stem from allegations that Powell failed to disclose a source of income on two separate benefit applications submitted to Seneca County DHS. The alleged omissions were discovered during a DHS investigation.

Powell was processed at the Seneca County Law Enforcement Center and released with an appearance ticket. She is scheduled to appear in Waterloo Town Court later this month to respond to the charges.