‘Zero Tolerance’ Continues in Ulster Count 

Kingston, NY – 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 important to remain vigilant in protecting the benefits available for those who truly need them,” said County Executive Mike Hein.  “Under the County’s `Zero Tolerance´ Program, our Special Investigations Unit (SIU), the Offices of Ulster County District Attorney Holley Carnright and Ulster County Sheriff Paul Van Blarcum continue to work together to do just that and make sure those who abuse the system are brought to justice.  Please report any suspicions of fraud or abuse to the SIU by contacting the hotline at 1-855-SIU-Tips.”

On October 10, 2018, Kira Montgomery Cruz of Lake Katrine, New York was arrested by Ulster County Sheriff's Deputies 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 Investigation Unit, in conjunction with the Office of the Ulster County District Attorney discovered that Ms. Montgomery Cruz filed multiple documents with the Department of Social Services between September 2017 and April 2018, failing to disclose her household composition and income.  This resulted in Ms. Montgomery Cruz receiving $2,649.00 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and $2,709.50 in daycare benefits to which she was not entitled.  Ms. Montgomery Cruz was processed and issued an appearance ticket for Ulster Town Court.

All reports of suspected fraud will be investigated.  A charge is an allegation and is not evidence of guilt, all suspects charged above are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.  To contact Ulster County’s dedicated Welfare anti-fraud and abuse hotline, please call 1-855-SIU-TIPS or 1-855-748-8477.