Ulster County Continues Efforts to Stop Abuse of Public Funds

Kingston, N.Y. – Ulster County Executive Mike Hein announces an arrest under the County’s “Zero Tolerance” Anti-Fraud, Waste and Abuse Program.  

“It is critical that public benefits are made available to those individuals who truly need assistance,” said County Executive Hein.  “Our Department of Social Services, the Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office are helping make sure that people who steal from the system are brought to justice, protecting Ulster County taxpayers as well as the limited pool of resources available to help those in need.”

Melissa DeJesus of Ellenville, New York, was arrested on October 4, 2018 by Ulster County Sheriff's Deputies and charged with the felonies of Welfare Fraud in the Fourth Degree and three counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree.  An investigation conducted by the Ulster County Department of Social Services Special Investigation Unit, along with the Office of the Ulster County District Attorney, revealed that Ms. DeJesus filed several SNAP applications with the Department of Social Services between March 2018 and September 2018, reporting more children in her household than were residing with her, which resulted in Ms. DeJesus receiving $2,016.00 in SNAP (Food Stamp) benefits to which she was not entitled.  Ms. DeJesus was processed and issued an appearance ticket for Ulster Town Court.

All reports of suspected fraud will be investigated.  To contact Ulster County’s dedicated Welfare anti-fraud and abuse hotline, please call 1-855-SIU-TIPS or 1-855-748-8477.