Ulster County’s Zero Tolerance Program Effective
Kingston, N.Y. – Ulster County Executive Mike Hein announces the recent arrests of four separate individuals within the last two weeks under the County’s “Zero Tolerance” Anti-Fraud, Waste and Abuse Program.
Vicki Rogers of Ellenville was arrested on August 2, 2016 by the Ulster County Sheriff's Department and charged with Welfare Fraud in the Third Degree and three counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, all felonies. An investigation conducted by Ulster County Department of Social Services Special Investigations Unit (SIU), in conjunction with the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office discovered that Ms. Rogers had failed to disclose employment over a two year period. As a result, she received more than $7,500 in SNAP benefits to which she was not entitled. Ms. Rogers was released to appear in the Town of Ulster Court at a later date.
Vanesha Ferguson of Catskill was arrested on August 4, 2016 by the Ulster County Sheriff’s Department and charged with Welfare Fraud in the Third Degree and four counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, all felonies. An investigation conducted by SIU, in conjunction with the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office discovered that Ms. Ferguson had failed to disclose child support monies received from 2012 – 2014. As a result, she received $7,469.79 in Temporary Assistance benefits to which she was not entitled. Ms. Ferguson was released to appear for arraignment at a later date.
Thomas Mungiovi of New Windsor and formerly of Wallkill was arrested on August 10, 2016 by Town of Ulster Police and charged with Welfare Fraud in the Fifth Degree, a misdemeanor. An investigation by SIU in conjunction with the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office discovered that Mr. Mungiovi failed to report employment income from November 2015 through March 2016. As a result, he received $2,230 in Temporary Assistance benefits and $637 in SNAP benefits to which he was not entitled.
Natasha Turner of Highland was arrested on August 11, 2016 by the Ulster County Sheriff’s Department and charged with Welfare Fraud in the Third Degree and two counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, all felonies. An investigation conducted by SIU, in conjunction with the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office discovered that Ms. Turner had failed to disclose employment for a year. As a result, Ms. Turner received more than $10,000 in Medicaid benefits to which she was not entitled. Ms. Turner was released to appear in the Town of Ulster Court at a later date.
“It is critical that Welfare benefits remain available to those who truly need them,” said County Executive Hein. “I commend the work of SIU, the District Attorney’s Office and our local law enforcement agencies as they work together to make sure that those who are stealing from the system are brought to justice. This not only protects the pool of resources available to help those in need but is also protecting our taxpayers.”
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.
