Ulster County’s “Zero Tolerance” Program

Ulster County Executive Mike Hein announces that an arrest was made yesterday under the County’s “Zero Tolerance” Anti-Fraud, Waste and Abuse Program.  

Vanessa Gonzalez of Kingston was arrested by the Ulster County Sheriff’s Department and charged with the felonies of Welfare Fraud 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 Investigations Unit (SIU), in conjunction with the Office of Ulster County District Attorney Holley Carnright, concluded that Ms. Gonzalez failed to report employment income for a sixteen month period.  As a result, she received $9,633.00 in SNAP benefits to which she was not entitled.  Ms. Gonzalez was issued an appearance ticket to appear at the Town of Ulster Court at a later date.

“Ulster County continues its efforts to be vigilant in addressing Welfare fraud and abuse,” said County Executive Mike Hein.  “It is important that those breaking the law know that Welfare fraud and abuse will not be tolerated in Ulster County and we are fortunate that our Social Services Department, SIU, the Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office are diligently working together to prevent such illegal activity.”

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.