Ulster County’s “Zero Tolerance” Anti-Fraud, Waste And Abuse Program

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

“By stopping welfare fraud and abuse, we can make sure that benefits are available for those who truly need them while also protecting our taxpayers,” said County Executive Mike Hein.  “The County’s `Zero Tolerance´ program is making a difference thanks to the important efforts of the Department of Social Services Special Investigation Unit and the Offices of the Ulster County District Attorney and Ulster County Sheriff.  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.”

Jason Marshall of Wallkill, New York was arrested on December 14, 2018 by the Ulster County Sheriff’s Department and charged with Welfare Fraud in the Fourth Degree and 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 Mr. Marshall failed to report income from May 2018 through October 2018.  This resulted in Mr. Marshall receiving $1,068.00 in SNAP benefits to which he was not entitled.  He was processed and released to appear in Ulster Town Court.

Mary Orbacz of Connelly, New York was arrested on December 21, 2018 by the Ulster County Sheriff’s Department and charged with Welfare Fraud in the Fourth 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 (SIU), in conjunction with the Office of the Ulster County District Attorney discovered that Ms. Orbacz failed to report her household composition and income from April 2016 through October 2018.  This resulted in Ms. Orbacz receiving $1,240.00 in HEAP benefits to which she was not entitled.  She was processed and released to appear in Ulster Town Court.

Jennifer Powles of Modena, New York was arrested on January 4, 2019 by the Ulster County Sheriff’s Department and charged with Welfare Fraud in the Fifth Degree and three counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the Second 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. Powles failed to report her income from June 2018 through December 2018.  This resulted in Ms. Powles receiving $2,082.00 in SNAP benefits and $945.50 in daycare benefits to which she was not entitled.  She 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.