According to Sheriff Jeffrey J. Murphy, on Friday March 31, 2017, the Washington County Sheriffs Office anested Harold J. Ricketts Jr., 26, of Granville, New York. Ricketts was charged with offering a false instrument for filing in the 1st degree,  a class E felony.

Based on the results of an investigation by the Washington County Department of Social Services and the Washington County Sheriffs Office,  Ricketts is accused of completing an application document with false information and signature with the intent to obtain public assistance benefits. 

The crime was discovered prior to Ricketts receiving any benefits.

Ricketts was arrested and processed at the Law Enforcement Center in Fort Edward and issued an appearance ticket to appear in the Town of Fort Edward Court on April 18, 2017 at 1:30 PM. 

The case will be forwarded to District Attorney's office for review and possible Grand Jury action and additional charges.