“Zero Tolerance” Program Effective

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

Reanna Morell of Marlborough, Tracy DuMont of Marlborough, and Amal Maseer of New Paltz were arrested on April 25, 2016 by the Ulster County Sheriff's Department and were each charged with the Misdemeanors of Welfare Fraud in the Fifth Degree and Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the Second Degree.  Separate investigations conducted by the Ulster County Social Services Special Investigation Unit (SIU), in conjunction with the Office of Ulster County District Attorney Holley Carnright, concluded that Morell, DuMont, and Maseer had each provided false income information over a period of time between 2015-2016 to the Department of Social Services.  This resulted in Amal Maseer receiving $4,292.00; Tracy DuMont receiving $6,228.00; and Reanna Morell receiving $2,952.00 in SNAP and Temporary Assistance benefits which they were not entitled to receive.  All three defendants were processed and released to reappear at Ulster Town Court at a future date. 

“I appreciate the work being done by our Special Investigation Unit, the Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office in helping to combat Welfare fraud and abuse,” said County Executive Hein.   “Welfare fraud will not be tolerated in Ulster County, and our zero tolerance program is helping to make sure that those who truly need these essential benefits will continue to have access to them in their time of need.”

All reports of suspected fraud will be investigated.  To contact Ulster County’s dedicated anti-welfare, fraud and abuse hotline, please call 1-855-SIU-TIPS or 1-855-748-8477.