4 arrested for welfare fraud

Published:

Thursday, November 12, 2009 2:14 AM EST

Columbia County Sheriff David Harrison Jr. reported that four people have been arrested as a result of the continuing investigations by the Columbia County Welfare Fraud Task Force.

Arrested Nov. 4 by Sheriff’s Investigator John Rivero were Andrew Barca, 63, of Shaker Road, New Lebanon and Tabitha Muller, 25, of Route 23, Craryville. Both were charged with fourth-degree welfare fraud, a class E felony; fourth-degree grand larceny, a class E felony and filing a false written statement, also a class E felony.

Also arrested was 33-year-old Dina-Marie Olivieri of Route 9J, Hudson, who was charged with third-degree grand larceny and third-degree welfare fraud, both class D felonies, and filing a false written statement. James R. Begraph of Allen Street, Hudson, was arrested and charged with the class A misdemeanors of petit larceny and fifth-degree welfare fraud.

Olivieri is accused of stealing $3,002; Barca, $1,230; Muller, $1,003; and Begraph, $200.

Arraigned in Hudson City Court by Judge Richard Koweek, all four defendants were remanded to the county jail; Muller in lieu of $1,500 cash or $3,000 bail bond; Barca in lieu of $5,000 cash or $10,000 bail bond; Olivieri in lieu of $1,500 cash or $3,000 bail bond and Begraph was held on $750 cash or $1,500 bail bond.

Harrison stated that since the development of the Welfare Fraud Task Force in April of this year by the Board of Supervisors, 11 individuals have been arrested — saving taxpayers $116,759.17.

Anyone who may have information on individuals or companies illegally obtaining public assistance should call 518-822-8477.

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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of registerstar.com.

ToeTag_12 wrote on Nov 12, 2009 4:44 AM:

" "saving taxpayers $116,759.17"
Would that amount be before, or after the cost of paying members of the "Welfare Task Force" since april ? If they are used just for this purpose, then the salaries should be deducted from this number in order to be accurate--- especially when the amount stated shows "down to the penny".Leaves me to assume that is the total money received by all four, fraudulently. My guess is that, as with many cases where agencies post something like this to the public, the bigger the number they can show was "saved" for the taxpayer, the better they look. I am all for stopping welfare fraud, but, we need ALL infomation in a statement such as this, INCLUDING all costs. "

grantdine wrote on Nov 12, 2009 8:30 AM:

" I note Bagraph was accused of steling $200 and is in jail because he was unable to post $5,000 bail. I would gues it cost far more than $200 to put him in jail and the County tax payer is out far more than the $200. As foolish as the County seems I guess we live in a law and order society so the politicions recieve credit for being tough on crime. i am sure a cheeper solution could be worked out. "

neutralparty wrote on Nov 12, 2009 11:05 AM:

" If you read the entire article you would note that Begraph's bail was not $5,000 it was $750. Bail is to assure re-appearance in court not punsihmnet. The county jail is up and running no matter who is in it. Look at the bigger picture, not only are you holding thieves and frauds accoutable, but also hopefully detering future theieves and fruads. I would rather have my taxes go up to pay for the task-force than have people living off my taxes fraudulently. "

grantdine wrote on Nov 13, 2009 5:04 AM:

" I believe it still cost more than $200 to put a man in jail. Sheriff Harrison can give you the cost per day. Forming a Task Force sound great, but a few years ago Columbia County had a Drug Task Force under now Judge Czajka who was District Attorney at that time. Felony drug arrest went from over 90 per year to a little over 30 and the Drug problem in Hudson got worse. "

stonepound wrote on Nov 13, 2009 7:37 PM:

" If you steal 130,000 you only get 2 weekends. These guys should get better legal representation. "

mr.happy wrote on Nov 15, 2009 11:58 AM:

" give them community service so the free loaders can see how it is to work for a living. "

Jlove09 wrote on Nov 19, 2009 5:46 PM:

" okayy, to all you "people" who have to come on here, and state your opion. I guess I will. I personally know begraph, he is loving father, a respectful person, down to earth etc. Been in alittle trouble in his early life and cant find a job. So, why dont you instead of putting people down, Why not walk up to them and offer them a job?? Does'nt that sound more logical? I think so. And besides in the economy its hard for kids that are 18 years old to find jobs, let alone some-one alittle older "

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