“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.
“By stopping welfare fraud and abuse, we can make sure that benefits are available for those who truly need them while also protecting our taxpayers,” said County Executive Mike Hein. “The important efforts by the Department of Social Services Special Investigation Unit and the Offices of District Attorney Holley Carnright and Ulster County Sheriff Paul Van Blarcum under the County’s `Zero Tolerance´ program is making a difference. Ulster County residents can assist us in reporting any suspicions of such fraud or abuse to the Special Investigations Unit by using the hotline 1-855-SIU-TIPS or 1-855-748-8477.”
On January 30, 2018, Mireille Sawaya of Kingston, New York, was arrested by the Ulster County Sheriff's Department and charged with the felonies of Welfare Fraud in the Third Degree and four counts of 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 the Ulster County District Attorney discovered that Ms. Sawaya failed to report income from July 2016 through October 2017. This resulted in Ms. Sawaya receiving $6,406.00 in SNAP benefits to which she was not entitled. Ms. Sawaya was processed and released to reappear in Ulster Town Court at a future date.
On January 30, 2018, Darren Post of Kingston, New York was arrested by the Ulster County Sheriff's Department and charged with the misdemeanors of Welfare Fraud in the Fifth Degree and Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the Second Degree. 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 Mr. Post filed an application with the Department of Social Services that contained false information. Mr. Post, already an inmate at the Ulster County Jail, was issued an appearance ticket, to appear in Ulster Town Court at a future date.
On January 30, 2018, Laurie Coddington of Kingston, New York was arrested by Ulster County Sheriff's Department and charged with the misdemeanor of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the Second Degree. 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 Ms. Coddington provided investigators with a document containing a false statement that was intended to be filed with the Department of Social Services. Ms. Coddington was processed and released to reappear in Kingston City 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.
