Zero Tolerance Continues In Ulster County 

Kingston, N.Y. – Ulster County Executive Mike Hein announces that two arrests were made last week under the County’s “Zero Tolerance” Program.  

“It is important to remain vigilant in protecting the benefits available for those who truly need them,” said County Executive Mike Hein.  “Under the County’s `Zero Tolerance´ Program, our Special Investigations Unit, the Offices of Ulster County District Attorney Holley Carnright and Ulster County Sheriff Paul Van Blarcum continue to work together to do just that and make sure those who abuse the system are brought to justice.  Please report any suspicions of fraud or abuse to the Special Investigations Unit by contacting the hotline at 1-855-SIU-Tips.”

Suzanne Valles of Saugerties was arrested on January 19, 2017 by the Ulster County Sheriff’s Department and charged with Welfare Fraud in the Third Degree and multiple counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, all felonies.  An investigation conducted by the Ulster County Department of Social Services Special Investigations Unit (SIU), in conjunction with the Office of the Ulster County District Attorney discovered that Valles failed to report a change in the household composition and income to the Department of Social Services from June 2016 through September 2016.  This resulted in Valles receiving $2,168.00 in SNAP benefits, $3,592.62 in Daycare subsidies and $375.00 in HEAP benefits to which she was not entitled.  Ms. Valles was processed and released to reappear in Ulster Town Court at a future date. 

Bonnie VanSlyke of Lake Katrine was arrested on January 20, 2017 by the Ulster County Sheriff’s Department and charged with Welfare Fraud in the Third Degree and multiple counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, all felonies. An investigation conducted by the Ulster County Department of Social Services Special Investigations Unit (SIU), in conjunction with the Office of the Ulster County District Attorney discovered that VanSlyke failed to report income to the Department of Social Services from December 2009 through December 2016.  This resulted in Bonnie VanSlyke receiving $10,321.00 in SNAP benefits to which she was not entitled.  Ms. VanSlyke was processed and released to reappear in Ulster Town 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.