WEST CAPE MAY – Cape May County Prosecutor Robert L. Taylor announces the arrest of Shannon Hamilton, 39, of West Cape May, culminating a theft investigation involving the Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Cape May County Board of Social Services.
Cape May County Board of Social Services investigators allege that Hamilton misreported her income to obtain social services benefits. The County Board of Social Services notified the Prosecutor’s Office and a joint investigation was initiated.
As a result of this investigation, Hamilton was charged with theft by deception, a crime of the third degree, forgery, a crime of the fourth degree and forgery by uttering, a crime of the fourth degree. Hamilton was released on summons pending court proceedings.
According to Prosecutor Taylor, individuals charged with crimes of the third degree upon conviction are subject to a term of imprisonment of three to five years in New Jersey State Prison and individuals charged with a crime of the fourth degree upon conviction are subject to a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months in New Jersey State Prison.
Prosecutor Taylor stated this investigation and other investigations concerning the alleged use of fraudulent Social Services benefits are ongoing. Prosecutor Taylor said his office, along with investigators from the Board of Social Services, will fully investigate and subsequently prosecute to the fullest extent of the law, any individuals responsible for the theft of benefits that are intended for the citizens of Cape May County.
Prosecutor Taylor urges any with information regarding the theft of benefits from the Board of Social Services or any other crime to report it anonymously through the Cape May County Sheriff’s Tip Line at cmcsheriff.net and click on anonymous tip, or through the Cape May County Crime- Stoppers at 609-465-2800 or 877-465-2801, as well as the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-465-1168.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. This report is based on information received from the Prosecutor’s Office.
