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 under the County’s “Zero Tolerance” Anti-Fraud, Waste and Abuse Program.

“It is critical that those who steal from the system, and take from those who truly are in need, are brought to justice,” said County Executive Mike Hein.  “I commend the successful efforts of our 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. It is important to continue to be vigilant in protecting our taxpayers and making sure that our resources are available for residents who are in need.”

America De Jesus of Ellenville, New York, was arrested on August 3, 2017 by the Ulster County Sheriff’s Department and charged with the felonies of Welfare Fraud in the Third Degree, Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, and five counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing. An investigation by the Special Investigations Unit of the Ulster County Department of Social Services, in conjunction with the Office of the Ulster County District Attorney, discovered that Ms. De Jesus failed to report income from June 2011 to April 2017.  This resulted in Ms. De Jesus receiving $5,651.50 in Medicaid funding, $11,601.00 in SNAP benefits, and $5,011.00 in HEAP benefits to which she was not entitled.  Ms. De Jesus 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.