Dundee woman charged with negligent homicide in baby’s death

A Dundee woman has been charged with multiple felonies after two separate investigations by the Yates County Sheriff’s Office led to allegations of welfare fraud and negligent homicide. Samantha W. Crane, 36, was arrested Nov. 7 on public assistance fraud and charges related to the death of her baby in March.

Crane’s arrest on welfare fraud charges followed an investigation by the Sheriff’s Public Assistance Fraud Unit. Authorities allege Crane provided false information to obtain benefits he was not entitled to receive. He was charged with Offering a False Instrument in the First Degree, Grand Theft in the Third Degree, and Welfare Fraud in the Third Degree. Following his arrest, Crane appeared in CAP Court.

In a separate case, Crane was also charged with Criminally Negligent Homicide in connection with the death of her five-month-old child. On March 20, Yates County Deputies responded to a 911 call at Crane’s home on Union Street in Dundee, where they found the baby unresponsive. Emergency personnel from Dundee Fire, Dundee EMS and Yates County EMS provided care, but the child was later pronounced dead at S&S Hospital. After an extensive investigation, authorities charged Crane with Criminally Negligent Homicide, a Class E Felony under New York law.

Crane was arraigned on both charges and is awaiting further hearings in Yates County CAP Court.

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