“Zero Tolerance” In Ulster County
Kingston, N.Y. – Acting Ulster County Executive Adele B. Reiter announces that three arrests were made under the County’s “Zero Tolerance” Anti-Fraud, Waste and Abuse Program.
“Ulster County continues its policy of `Zero Tolerance´ when it comes to combating Welfare fraud and abuse,” said Acting County Executive Adele B. Reiter. “It is important and necessary to make sure that the individuals needing assistance have the benefits available to them. I appreciate the diligent work of SIU, the Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office in protecting these benefits. 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.”
Barbara Awan of New Paltz, New York was arrested on February 28, 2019 by the Ulster County Sheriff’s Department and charged with the felonies of Welfare Fraud in the Third Degree, Grand Larceny 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 Investigation Unit (SIU), in conjunction with the Office of the Ulster County District Attorney discovered that Ms. Awan failed to disclose income from July 2017 through January 2019. This resulted in Ms. Awan receiving $3,654.00 in SNAP benefits to which she was not entitled. Ms. Awan was processed and released to appear in Ulster Town Court.
Keiry Molina of Wallkill, New York was arrested on February 28, 2019 by the Ulster County Sheriff’s Department and charged with the felonies of Welfare Fraud in the Third Degree, Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, and five 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 (SIU), in conjunction with the Office of the Ulster County District, discovered that Ms. Molina failed to report her income from October 2016 through December 2018. This resulted in Ms. Molina receiving $12,398.98 in Temporary Assistance benefits and $5,803.00 in SNAP benefits to which she was not entitled. Ms. Molina was processed and released to appear in Ulster Town Court.
Donna Calandrino of Kingston, New York was arrested on March 21, 2019 by the Ulster County Sheriff’s Department 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 (SIU), in conjunction with the Office of the Ulster County District, discovered that Ms. Calandrino failed to report the income she was receiving from rental units from August 2015 through February 2019. This resulted in Ms. Calandrino receiving $4,176.00 in SNAP benefits to which she was not entitled. Ms. Calandrino was processed and released to appear in 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.
