Three people are under arrest, accused of cheating taxpayers out of nearly $30,000.

The Albany County Sheriff says the biggest offender is Korinne Vanpatten.

She’s accused of raking in more than $21,000 in welfare assistance even though she was making money elsewhere.

She’s charged with grand larceny, as are Dedra Glover and Shante Watson.

They’re accused of defrauding social services of more than $7,000

Two bank robberies happen within hours of one another and so far, the suspects are still on the run.

In Colonie, a man walked into the Citizens Bank in the Old Northway Mall around 2p and handed the teller a note, demanded cash and took off.Police believe he ran behind staples, toward Central Avenue.

They released a surveillance picture. If you recognize him, you're asked to call police.

Police are also searching for a bank robber in Troy. They say a man held up the First Niagara at the Hudson Valley Shopping Plaza around Noon.

Police say no weapon was displayed and no one was hurt.

Police in Troy and Colonie say the two robberies are likely not connected.

SCHENECTADY - A Schenectady man is accused of kidnapping a Colonie woman and demanding ransom money from her family.

Police say 36-year-old Frank Peace kidnapped the woman on April 17 and asked for $2,000 from the victim's family for her release.

The victim's name won't be released. Police tell WNYT that she eventually escaped from Peace, but they won't say how.

Peace is charged with kidnapping, attempted grand larceny, unlawful imprisonment, assault, menacing and criminal possession of a weapon. He was arraigned Wednesday morning.

The US Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force assisted the Schenectady Police Department in making the arrest.