Ulster County’s “Zero Tolerance” 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.
“Ulster County’s `Zero Tolerance´ Program continues to yield results due to the diligent work of our Department of Social Services Special Investigation Unit and the Offices of the District Attorney Holley Carnright and Ulster County Sheriff Paul Van Blarcum,” said County Executive Mike Hein. “It is critical to make sure that people who steal from the system are brought to justice, protecting County taxpayers as well as the limited pool of resources available to help those in need. 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.”
Kayla Schiskey of Kingston, New York, was arrested on September 20, 2018 by Ulster County Sheriff's Deputies and charged with the felonies of Welfare Fraud in the Third Degree and nine 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. Schiskey filed multiple Shelter Verification forms, along with SNAP and Temporary Assistance re-certifications containing false information with the Department of Social Services between December 2016 and May 2018. This resulted in Ms. Schiskey receiving $5,400.00 in Temporary Assistance benefits and $2,725.00 in SNAP (Food stamp) benefits to which she was not entitled. Ms. Schiskey was processed and issued an appearance ticket for Ulster Town Court.
Kimberly Hicks of Ellenville, New York was arrested on September 20, 2018 by Ulster County Sheriff's Deputies and charged with the felonies of Welfare Fraud in the Fourth Degree, Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree and 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. Hicks failed to report income from September 2017 to August 2018. This resulted in Ms. Hicks receiving $1,767.00 in SNAP benefits to which she was not entitled. Ms. Hicks was processed and issued an appearance ticket for Ulster Town Court.
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.
