Zero Tolerance Continues in Ulster County 

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

“Under Ulster County’s `Zero Tolerance´ Program, the Ulster County Department of Social Services Special Investigations Unit, and the Offices of Ulster County District Attorney Holley Carnright and Ulster County Sheriff Paul Van Blarcum continue to make sure that justice is served if someone is abusing the system and I appreciate all that they do,” said County Executive Mike Hein.  “It is important to protect the limited pool of benefits that are available for those who truly need them.  Please report any suspicions of fraud or abuse to the Special Investigations Unit by contacting the hotline at 1-855-SIU-Tips.”

Tara Garcia of Pine Bush was arrested on February 26, 2018 by the Ulster County Sheriff’s Department and charged with Welfare Fraud in the Fourth Degree, Grand Larceny 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 Investigations Unit (SIU), in conjunction with the Office of Ulster County District Attorney discovered that Ms. Garcia failed to report income from February 2017 to October 2017.  This resulted in Ms. Garcia receiving $2,403.00 in SNAP benefits to which she was not entitled.   Ms. Garcia 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.