Ulster County Remains 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.

“Those who steal from the system take from those who truly are in need and it is crucial they 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 vital that we continue to protect taxpayers and ensure that our resources are available for residents who are in need.”

On December 27, 2017, Madeline Marrero-Ruiz 47, of Wallkill, NY, was arrested by Ulster County Sheriff's Deputies and charged with the felonies of Welfare Fraud 3rd, Grand Larceny 3rd and 4 counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing. An investigation conducted by the Ulster County Department of Social Services Special Investigation Unit, in conjunction with the office of the Ulster County District Attorney, discovered that Ms. Marrero-Ruiz failed to report income to the Dept. of Social Services from November 2014 to October 2017.  Ms. Marrero-Ruiz filed multiple falsified documents with the department during that period of time. Due to the undisclosed income, Ms. Marrero-Ruiz received $8,325.00 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to. Ms. Marrero-Ruiz was processed and released to reappear in Town of Ulster 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.