Zero Tolerance Continues in Ulster County
Kingston, NY – Ulster County Executive Mike Hein announces three arrests under the County’s “Zero Tolerance” Program.
“It is important to remain vigilant in protecting the benefits available for those who truly need them,” said County Executive Mike Hein. “Under the County’s `Zero Tolerance´ Program, our Special Investigations Unit, the Offices of Ulster County District Attorney Holley Carnright and Ulster County Sheriff Paul Van Blarcum continue to work together to do just that and make sure those who abuse the system are brought to justice. Please report any suspicions of fraud or abuse to the Special Investigations Unit by contacting the hotline at 1-855-SIU-Tips.”
On July 26, 2018 Gina Dooris of Kingston was arrested by Ulster County Sheriff's Deputies and charged with the Felonies of Welfare Fraud in the Third Degree, six counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree and Misdemeanor Making a Punishable False Written Statement. 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. Dooris did not report her true residence and receipt of RUPCO Housing Subsidies to the Department of Social Services, from March 2017 to May 2018. It is alleged that Ms. Dooris filed multiple SNAP recertification’s and a Temporary Assistance application during that period containing false information, which resulted in her receiving $4,239.00 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to. Ms. Dooris was processed and issued an appearance ticket to appear in Ulster Town Court.
On August 3, 2018 Marie Mullings of Kingston was arrested by Ulster County Sheriff's Deputies and charged with the Felonies of Welfare Fraud in the Third Degree and three 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. Mullings did not report her correct household composition and income to the Department of Social Services from August 2016 to April 2018. It is alleged that Ms. Mullings filed several SNAP applications during that time period, not disclosing the income, resulting in Ms. Mullings receiving $6,901.00 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to. Ms. Mullings was processed and issued an appearance ticket to appear in Ulster Town Court.
On August 6, 2018, Monique Smalls of Ellenville was arrested by Ulster County Sheriff's Deputies 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, in conjunction with the Office of the Ulster County District Attorney, discovered that Ms. Smalls did not disclose her complete household income to the Department of Social Services from September 2014 to January 2017, and then again from June 2017 to January 2018. It is alleged that Ms. Smalls filed two applications with the Department of Social Services not revealing all the income. Due to the undisclosed income, Ms. Smalls received $5,994.00 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to. Ms. Smalls was processed and issued an appearance ticket for Ulster Town Court.
All reports of suspected fraud will be investigated. A charge is an allegation and is not evidence of guilt, all suspects charged above are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. To contact Ulster County’s dedicated Welfare anti-fraud and abuse hotline, please call 1-855-SIU-TIPS or 1-855-748-8477.
