Ariana M. Green faces charges for allegedly defrauding Saranac Lake churches of rental assistance funds by using false identities and a fake address.
A 21-year-old Plattsburgh woman has been charged with using false names and a fake Saranac Lake address to obtain rental assistance money from local churches, Saranac Lake Police said Monday.
Ariana M. Green was charged with Scheme to Defraud in the Second Degree, Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, and Criminal Impersonation in the Second Degree. She was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Harrietstown Town Court at a later date.
The investigation began after concerns surfaced about money provided through the Saranac Lake Ecumenical Council and affiliated area churches. The funds were meant for rental assistance.
Police allege Green told the organizations she lived in Saranac Lake and needed help covering rent here. Investigators determined she was living in Plattsburgh. Police further allege she used false names and other fictitious information to obtain money from multiple organizations.
The Plattsburgh Police Department assisted in the investigation.
Police Chief Darin Perrotte framed the case as theft from people in need rather than from institutions.
"What makes this case particularly troubling is that these organizations exist for one reason—to help people in our community when they need it most," Perrotte said. "When someone allegedly uses deception and false identities to exploit that generosity, they are not simply taking money from an organization; they are potentially taking assistance away from a family, an elderly resident, or another person facing a genuine crisis."
Saranac Lake Police are asking any local organization, church, or assistance program that thinks it may have had similar interactions — or provided money under circumstances that now seem suspicious — to call (518) 891-4422.
The investigation is ongoing.
Green is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.