“Zero Tolerance” In Ulster County
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.
“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.”
On February 22, 2018, John Delango of Saugerties, New York, was arrested by the Ulster County Sheriff's Department and charged with the felonies of Welfare Fraud in the Third Degree and two counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree. An investigation conducted by the Ulster County Department of Social Services Special Investigations Unit (SIU), in conjunction with the Office of the Ulster County District Attorney discovered that Mr. Delango failed to report his correct household composition/residence and income from July 2017 through January 2018. This resulted in Mr. Delango receiving $11,326.46 in Temporary Assistance benefits and $1,984.00 in SNAP benefits to which he was not entitled. Mr. Delango was processed and released to reappear in Ulster Town Court at a future date.
On February 22, 2018, Krystal Viera of Highland, New York was arrested by the Ulster County Sheriff's Department and charged with Attempted Welfare Fraud in the Fifth Degree and Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree. An investigation conducted by the Ulster County Department of Social Services Special Investigations Unit (SIU), in conjunction with the Office of the Ulster County District Attorney discovered that Ms. Viera failed to accurately report her household composition and income from December 2017 through February 2018 and filed an application with the Department of Social Services that contained misleading information. Ms. Viera was processed and released to reappear 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.
