Ulster County’s “Zero Tolerance” Anti-Fraud, Waste And Abuse Program

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

“Every stolen taxpayer dollar is money that cannot go to help someone truly in need and by stopping Welfare fraud and abuse we can save taxpayer money which is our fiscal responsibility,” said County Executive Mike Hein.  “The important efforts by the 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 is truly making a difference.  Ulster County residents can assist us in reporting any suspicions of such fraud or abuse to the Special Investigations Unit by using the hotline 1-855-SIU-TIPS or 1-855-748-8477.”

Kerri DaSilva of Kingston, N.Y. was arrested on July 6, 2017 by the Ulster County Sheriff’s Department and charged with Welfare Fraud in the Fourth Degree and Offering a False Instrument for Filing.  An investigation conducted by the Ulster County Department of Social Services Special Investigation Unit (SIU), in conjunction with the Office of the Ulster County District Attorney discovered that Ms. DaSilva failed to report income from December 2016 through June 2017.  This resulted in Ms. DaSilva receiving $1,834.00 in SNAP benefits to which she was not entitled.  Kerri DaSilva was processed and released to appear in Ulster Town Court at a future date.

Jazmine Blackmon-Dabney of New York, N.Y., formerly of Glasco, N.Y. was arrested on July 6, 2017 by the Ulster County Sheriff’s Department and charged with Welfare Fraud in the Fourth Degree and Offering a False Instrument for Filing.  An investigation conducted by the Ulster County Department of Social Services Special Investigation Unit (SIU), in conjunction with the Office of the Ulster County District Attorney discovered that Ms. Blackmon-Dabney failed to report income from June 2013 through October 2013 and from March 2017 through June 2017.  This resulted in Ms. Blackmon-Dabney receiving $1,315.00 in Temporary Assistance benefits to which she was not entitled.  Jazmine Blackmon-Dabney 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.