Ulster County’s “Zero Tolerance” Program 

Kingston, N.Y. – Ulster County Executive Mike Hein announces that two arrests were made under the County’s “Zero Tolerance” Anti-Fraud, Waste and Abuse Program.  

“It is critical that Welfare benefits are available to those individuals who truly need assistance,” said County Executive Hein.  “Ulster County’s `Zero Tolerance´ Program continues to yield results due to the diligent work of our Department of Social Services Special Investigation Unit and the Offices of District Attorney Holley Carnright and Ulster County Sheriff Paul Van Blarcum.  They 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.”

Tiffany Jones of Kingston was arrested on May 23, 2017 by the Ulster County Sheriff’s Department and charged with Welfare Fraud in the Fourth Degree and Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First 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 discovered that Ms. Jones failed to report income from February 2017 through May 2017.  This resulted in Ms. Jones receiving $1,478.01 in Temporary Assistance benefits to which she was not entitled.  Tiffany Jones was processed and released to appear in Ulster Town Court at a future date.

Sheilann Jones of Highland, New York was arrested on May 23, 2017 by the Ulster County Sheriff’s Department and charged with Welfare Fraud in the Third Degree and Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First 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 discovered that Ms. Jones failed to report income from August 2016 through March 2017.  This resulted in Ms. Jones receiving $5,492.00 in Temporary Assistance and SNAP benefits to which she was not entitled.  Sheilann Jones was processed and released to appear 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.