Ulster County Continues To Be Vigilant In Its Efforts To Stop Welfare Fraud 

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

An investigation by the Special Investigations Unit of the Ulster County Department of Social Services led to the arrest of Rodolfo Ruiz of Pine Bush who was charged with one count of Welfare Fraud in the Third Degree, a class D felony, and one count of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, a class E felony.  The investigation concluded that Mr. Ruiz falsely reported the amount of rent he had been paying since 2013.  As a result, he received more than $5,000.00 in SNAP benefits, to which he was not entitled.  Mr. Ruiz appeared in the Town of Ulster Court and was released on his own recognizance to appear at a later date.  The Town of Ulster Police assisted with the case.

“I commend the diligent work of our Special Investigations Unit of the Ulster County Department of Social Services as well as the Town of Ulster Police in making sure that those who abuse the system are brought to justice,” said County Executive Mike Hein.  “Ulster County’s Zero Tolerance Program continues to be diligent in protecting taxpayers and protecting the resources that are available for those residents who truly need them.”  

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.