“Zero Tolerance” Continues in Ulster County

Kingston, N.Y. – Ulster County Executive Mike Hein announces that an arrest was made yesterday under the County’s “Zero Tolerance” Anti-Fraud, Waste and Abuse Program.  Edward Dunn of Saugerties was arrested by the Ulster County Sheriff’s Department and charged with the felonies of Welfare Fraud in the Third Degree and Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree.  An investigation conducted by the Ulster County Department of Social Services Special Investigations Unit (SIU), in conjunction with the Office of Ulster County District Attorney Holley Carnright, concluded that Edward Dunn failed to report employment income to the Department of Social Services.  Dunn fraudulently received $7,768.00 in Temporary Assistance, SNAP and Medicaid benefits he was not entitled to over a four month period.  Dunn was arraigned in the Town of Lloyd Justice Court and was remanded to the Ulster County Jail with bail set at $10,000.00.   He is to appear at the Town of Ulster Court at a later date.

“I appreciate the work being done by SIU, the Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office as they continue to combat Welfare fraud and abuse as part of Ulster County’s `Zero Tolerance´ Program,” said County Executive Hein.  “It is important that benefits are available to those who truly need assistance and we will continue to fight against Welfare fraud and abuse.”

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.