“Zero Tolerance”

Kingston, N.Y. – Ulster County Executive Mike Hein announces that two arrests were made last week under the County’s “Zero Tolerance” Program.     

“With the community’s help we continue to fight Welfare fraud and abuse, making sure that Welfare benefits are available for those who truly need them. I urge residents to contact the Department of Social Services Special Investigative Unit through their hotline number at 1-855-SIU-Tips, to report any suspicions of fraud or abuse,” said County Executive Mike Hein.  “I appreciate the coordinated efforts of the Special Investigations Unit and the Offices of Ulster County District Attorney Holley Carnright and Ulster County Sheriff Paul Van Blarcum in enforcing Ulster County’s `Zero Tolerance´ program.”

Gina Mucci of Marlboro was arrested on February 2, 2017 by the Ulster County Sheriff’s Department and charged with Welfare Fraud in the Fourth and Offering a False Instrument for Filing.  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. Mucci failed to report income to the Department of Social Services from August 2015 through September 2015 and September 2016 through November 2016.  This resulted in Ms. Mucci receiving $1,690.00 in Temporary Assistance and $327.00 in SNAP benefits to which she was not entitled.  Ms. Mucci was processedand released to reappear in Ulster Town Court at a future date. 

Joan Milner of Kingston was arrested on February 2, 2017 by the Ulster County Sheriff’s Department and charged with Welfare Fraud in the Fourth and Offering a False Instrument for Filing.  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. Milner failed to report a change in the household composition and income to the Department of Social Services from March 2016 through November 2016.  This resulted in Ms. Milner receiving $1,285.00 in SNAP benefits to which she was not entitled.  Ms. Milner 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.