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A woman has been accused of welfare fraud, according to a report.
The Cortland County Sheriff’s report stated that Lisa M. McKnight, 48, allegedly “failed to provide required income information” to the Cortland County Department of Social Services and “further filed fraudulent paperwork concerning her employment and income.”
According to the report, this resulted in McKnight allegedly obtaining benefits she “was not entitled to” in excess of $1,000.
McKnight was charged with fourth-degree welfare fraud, fourth-degree grand larceny and first-degree offering a false instrument for filing (all Class-E Felonies). She is set to appear in Cortland city court on Dec. 4.
Robert M. Gardner
A brawl at the Palm Gardens bar on Elm Street in the city of Cortland led to an alleged stabbing incident this past weekend, according to a report.
The City of Cortland police report stated that a “large fight” was reported at the local bar on Saturday (Nov. 11). The fight spilled into the parking lot, the report continued, and involved several police agencies on scene “to control the situation.” Aside from the city police, the county sheriff’s department, the New York State Police and the Homer Police Department provided assistance at the scene.
Robert M. Gardner, 36, was identified as the individual who allegedly stabbed an adult male victim “multiple times” during the brawl, the report noted.
The report stated that the victim was recently released from the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.
Gardner was arrested and charged with second-degree assault and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon (both Class-D Felonies). He was arraigned, bailed out and now due to appear in Cortland City Court at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 22.
Officers also arrested four individuals for disorderly conduct and their involvement in the brawl. This includes Rafael Rodriguez, 40; Brian Parks, 53; Noel Torres, 35; and Robert Stevens, 33.
The report noted that the investigation of this incident is ongoing and further arrests are possible.
