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Welfare fraud suspects charged
By Andrew Amelinckx
Hudson-Catskill Newspapers
Two more Columbia County residents allegedly defrauding the welfare system have been arrested and are facing a number of felonies.
On Sept. 10 Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Investigator John Rivero arrested Charlene Blue, 44, of Hudson and 29-year-old Joyce Harris of Valatie for allegedly bilking the county of $1,540 and $9,177.67, respectively by filing false claims from the Department of Social Services.
While Blue’s alleged fraud occurred in June and July of this year, Harris’ were allegedly filed in April 2004 and April 2007.
Blue was charged with fourth-degree grand larceny, filing a false written instrument and welfare fraud, Class E felonies.
Harris was charged with third-degree grand larceny and welfare fraud, Class D felonies.
The arrest were made as part of the county’s welfare fraud task force.
The task force is composed of the county Department of Social Services, Sheriff’s Department, District Attorney’s Office and County Attorney’s Office, and focuses on identifying suspects—recipients and providers—defrauding the county.
Arraigned in the Hudson City Court by Judge Richard Koweek, Blue was remanded to the county jail in lieu of $750 cash or $1,500 bail bond and Harris was remanded to jail in lieu of $1,500 cash or $3,000 bail bond. They are both scheduled to return to City Court at a later date.
According to Sheriff David Harrison Jr., Rivero is the full-time investigator for the unit and works with DSS investigators.
Since April seven arrests have been made in regard to welfare fraud and the county has seen a little more than $79,000 in savings.
If you suspect someone is committing welfare fraud contact the Columbia County WELFARE FRAUD HOTLINE 518-822-8477.
On Sept. 10 Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Investigator John Rivero arrested Charlene Blue, 44, of Hudson and 29-year-old Joyce Harris of Valatie for allegedly bilking the county of $1,540 and $9,177.67, respectively by filing false claims from the Department of Social Services.
While Blue’s alleged fraud occurred in June and July of this year, Harris’ were allegedly filed in April 2004 and April 2007.
Blue was charged with fourth-degree grand larceny, filing a false written instrument and welfare fraud, Class E felonies.
Harris was charged with third-degree grand larceny and welfare fraud, Class D felonies.
The arrest were made as part of the county’s welfare fraud task force.
The task force is composed of the county Department of Social Services, Sheriff’s Department, District Attorney’s Office and County Attorney’s Office, and focuses on identifying suspects—recipients and providers—defrauding the county.
Arraigned in the Hudson City Court by Judge Richard Koweek, Blue was remanded to the county jail in lieu of $750 cash or $1,500 bail bond and Harris was remanded to jail in lieu of $1,500 cash or $3,000 bail bond. They are both scheduled to return to City Court at a later date.
According to Sheriff David Harrison Jr., Rivero is the full-time investigator for the unit and works with DSS investigators.
Since April seven arrests have been made in regard to welfare fraud and the county has seen a little more than $79,000 in savings.
If you suspect someone is committing welfare fraud contact the Columbia County WELFARE FRAUD HOTLINE 518-822-8477.
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