Ulster County’s Zero Tolerance Program Continues  

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

David Garraffa of Kingston was arrested on July 21, 2016 by the Ulster County Sheriff's Department and charged with Welfare Fraud in the Fifth Degree, Petit Larceny and Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the Second Degree, all Class A Misdemeanors.  An investigation conducted by Ulster County Department of Social Services Special Investigations Unit (SIU), in conjunction with the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office discovered that Mr. Garraffa had filed a certification with the Department of Social Services indicating that he did not have any unearned income, when in fact he was actively receiving regular financial assistance.  As a result, he received $5,929.33 in Temporary Assistance and Food Stamp benefits during the period of January 2015 through March 2016, to which he was not entitled.  Mr. Garraffa was released to appear in Town of Ulster Court on August 3, 2016.

Donald Harnden of Kingston was arrested on July 27, 2016 by the Ulster County Sheriff’s Department and charged with Welfare Fraud in the Third Degree and six counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the 1st Degree, all felonies.  An investigation conducted by Ulster County Department of Social Services Special Investigations Unit (SIU), in conjunction with the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office discovered that Mr. Harnden had failed to disclose employment of a two year period.  As a result, he received more than $8,500 in Temporary Assistance benefits to which he was not entitled.  Harnden was released on his own recognizance to appear in the Town of Ulster Court at a later date.

“I appreciate the diligent work being done by SIU, the Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office in combating Welfare fraud and abuse.  Their outstanding efforts resulted in the arrest of two individuals this past week who were trying to take advantage of the system,” said County Executive Mike Hein.  “Ulster County continues to enforce its Zero Tolerance Program, protecting the benefits that are made available for those who truly need them as well as protecting our taxpayers.”

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.