FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: DECEMBER 3, 2019
RE: PRESS RELEASE – WELFARE FRAUD ARRESTS
On November 27, 2019, Imani Heyward age 30 of Ellenville, NY, was arrested by Ulster County Sheriff’s Deputies and charged with the felonies of Welfare Fraud 3rd degree, Grand Larceny 3rd degree and 2 counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing 1st degree.
An investigation conducted by the Ulster County Department of Social Services Special Investigation Unit, along with the Office of the Ulster County District Attorney, revealed that Ms. Heyward applied for and received SNAP benefits, then recertified for the SNAP benefits between December 2018 and October 2019 claiming 3 children residing in her household, when in fact the children have been residing elsewhere, in the custody and care of relatives. Ms. Heyward also did not reveal the fact that she was gainfully employed to the Department of Social Services, resulting in Ms. Heyward receiving $4,729.00 in SNAP benefits that she was not entitled to.
Ms. Heyward was processed and issued an appearance ticket for Ulster Town Court.
On November 21, 2019, Kimberly Gary age 26 of Highland, NY, was arrested by Ulster County Sheriff’s Deputies and charged with felony Offering a False Instrument for Filing 1st degree and misdemeanor Welfare Fraud 5th degree.
An investigation conducted by the Ulster County Department of Social Services Special Investigation Unit along with the Office of the Ulster County District Attorney, revealed that on July 22, 2019, Ms. Gary filed an application for and began receiving SNAP benefits for a child who does not reside with her, but in fact has been residing elsewhere, in the custody and care of relatives. Resulting in Ms. Gary receiving $696.00 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to.
Ms. Gary was processed and issued an appearance ticket for Ulster Town Court.
On November 19, 2019, Shawna Genosky age 46 and Ronald Searl age 51 of West Hurley, NY, were arrested by Ulster County Sheriff’s Deputies and each charged with 3 counts of felony Offering a False Instrument for Filing 1st degree and misdemeanor Welfare Fraud 5th degree.
An investigation conducted by the Ulster County Department of Social Services Special Investigation Unit, along with the Office of the Ulster County District Attorney, discovered that between December 2017 and July 2019 the couple filed several applications for SNAP benefits, not disclosing the fact that Mr. Searl had been receiving self-employment income from his contracting business.
Ms. Genosky and Mr. Searl were processed and issued appearance tickets for Ulster Town Court.
On November 6, 2019, Amber Gontz age 26 of Saugerties, NY, was arrested by Ulster County Sheriff's Deputies and charged with 2 counts of felony Offering a False Instrument for Filing 1st degree and the misdemeanors of Welfare Fraud in the 5th degree and Petit Larceny.
An investigation conducted by the Ulster County Department of Social Services Special Investigation Unit, along with the Office of the Ulster County District Attorney, revealed that Ms. Gontz had applied for and received SNAP benefits from the Department of Social Services for a child who does not reside with her, but in fact has been residing elsewhere, in the custody and care of relatives. Resulting in Ms. Gontz receiving $569.00 in SNAP benefits that she was not entitled to.
Ms. Gontz was processed and issued an appearance ticket for Ulster Town Court.