Orange County Welfare Fraud Arrests

Welfare Fraud! It's sure to be a topic at your 4th of July holiday party...at least it's a conversation I can't seem avoid at family get togethers. Finally one local government is cracking down on those who are taking advantage of the "system". According to Hudson Valley News Network thirty defendants in Orange County have been charged for illegally obtaining over $324,000 in public assistance benefits. Orange County officials say the arrests were the result of a collaborative effort between the Orange County Department of Social Services Special Investigations Unit (SIU), the Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office. To date over a million dollars in fraudulent welfare claims have been discovered, officials hope the investigations and arrests will deter people from taking advantage of the system in the future.

“The over one million dollars in public benefits fraud that have been discovered during the course of these three enforcement actions demonstrate just how much this type of fraud costs taxpayers,” said Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “I am gratified that the close cooperation and collaboration between the Department of Social Services Special Investigations Unit, the Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office has not only resulted in the arrest and prosecution of offenders, but in the recouping of over $123,000 in fraudulently obtained benefits. I expect those collections to rise dramatically in the near future. Our goal is to deter people from cheating the system. The additional $148,390.50 recovered from recipients who voluntarily paid back benefits that they were not entitled to, who we did not have arrest and prosecute, shows that these sweeps are an effective and efficient deterrent.”

Of the thirty charged two defendants remain at large, MD Islam, 77, of Monroe and Marie Burroughs, 41, of Middletown. Officials are asking for the publics assistance in locating the individuals. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Orange County Sheriffs Office.