“Zero Tolerance” in Ulster County
Kingston, N.Y. – Ulster County Executive Mike Hein announces that three arrests were made under the County’s “Zero Tolerance” Anti-Fraud, Waste and Abuse Program.
“I commend the Department of Social Services Investigative Unit and their diligent efforts to protect public benefits, as well as the coordinated efforts of the Offices of District Attorney Holley Carnright and Ulster County Sheriff Paul Van Blarcum,” said County Executive Mike Hein. “Our `No Tolerance´ Anti-Fraud, Waste and Abuse Program continues to yield results and show that we are serious about protecting the benefits for those who truly need them as well our taxpayers.”
Madeline DiSalvatore of New Paltz was arrested on March 7, 2017 by the Ulster County Sheriff's Department and charged with the felony of Welfare Fraud in the Fourth Degree. An investigation conducted by the Ulster County Department of Social Services Special Investigation Unit (SIU), in conjunction with the Office of the Ulster County District Attorney revealed that between November 2015 and January 2017, Ms. DiSalvatore received $1,126.00 in packaged wood pellets from the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) which were to be utilized for the purpose of heating her residence. Those pellets were subsequently sold by Ms. DiSalvatore via the internet and diverted from their intended purpose. Ms. DiSalvatore was processed and released to reappear in Ulster Town court at a future date.
Charity Post of Wallkill was arrested on March 28, 2017 by the Ulster County Sheriff's Department and charged with Welfare Fraud in the Fourth Degree and Offering a False Instrument for Filing. An investigation conducted by the Ulster County Department of Social Services Special Investigation Unit (SIU), in conjunction with the Office of the Ulster County District Attorney discovered that Ms. Post received SNAP benefits from August 2016 through December 2016 from both the States of Georgia and New York. Ms. Post filed an online recertification application claiming to reside in Georgia, as well as filing in New York simultaneously. This resulted in Ms. Post receiving $2,641.00 in duplicate SNAP benefits to which she was not entitled. Ms. Post was processed and released to reappear in Town of Ulster Court at a future date.
Angela Solcberg of Saugerties was arrested on March 28, 2017 by the Ulster County Sheriff’s Department and charged with Welfare Fraud in the Fourth Degree and Offering a False Instrument for Filing. An investigation conducted by the Ulster County Department of Social Services Special Investigation Unit (SIU), in conjunction with the Office of the Ulster County District Attorney discovered that Ms. Solcberg failed to report changes in her address, household composition and income from January 2016 through January 2017. This resulted in Ms. Solcberg receiving $1,395.00 in SNAP benefits to which she was not entitled. Ms. Solcberg was processed and released to reappear in Town of Ulster Court at a future date.
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.
