Several From Eastern Portion of the County
By Doug La Rocque
“These individuals are accused of wrongly seeking and accepting public assistance benefits that are supposed to be provided to individuals facing real struggle and stress.” Those were the words of Rensselaer County District Attorney Joel Abelove, as he announced county, state and local law enforcement agencies carried out a welfare sweep last week, targeting 39 people allegedly responsible for the theft of approximately $100,000 in public funds. Of those, 27 were arrested and 12 are still being sought. Mr. Abelove said that, “despite the arrests, this remains a pervasive problem in the county.”
The announcement was made at a Press Conference on Friday morning, October 5 at the Rensselaer County Correctional Facility. DA Abeleove was joined by County Executive Steve McLaughlin, Renssealer County Sheriff Pat Russo, and County Social Services Commissioner Theresa Beaudoin, whose agency oversees the programs.
Sheriff Russo said “we want residents and taxpayers to know we are vigilant in protecting these resources that are meant for those entitled to receive and accept these benefits.” Commissioner Beaudoin added, “we take our mission of caring for those who are unable to care for themselves very seriously. We also take seriously, our commitment to ensure that welfare funds and resources are managed properly and legally.”
Locally, those arrested were;
• Jason and Sarah Foster of Pittstown, accused of fraudulently obtaining $3,469 in food stamps and public assistance.
• Nicholas Dodge of Petersburgh, alleged to have illegally obtained $194.07 in food stamps.
• Deborah Pate of Eagle Bridge, accused of fraudulently obtaining $1,344 in food stamps.
One individual, Rani Pandey of Rensselaer, is accused of bilking the system out of more than $18,000 alone.
All those arrested were arraigned in Troy City Court and released with a future court date.