19 Arrested In Latest County-Wide Welfare Fraud Sweep
By Doug La Rocque
Late last week Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Deputies, as well as State Police and other local law enforcement agencies, arrested 19 people who are alleged to have fraudulently accepted welfare benefits. The arrests were announced at a morning press conference on Monday, May 6 at the Rensselaer County Corrections Facility in Troy. Warrants have been issued for seven more individuals, who have yet to be apprehended.
Department of Social Services (DSS) Commissioner Theresa Beaudoin said, “the arrests are a sad but true reminder that some people are trying to take advantage of the system. The County will always be vigilant in holding accountable those seeking to abuse it.” District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly was even more to the point, when she said, “this money is ours, money that is being funneled to those that don’t deserve it.” County Executive Steve McLaughlin said the arrests were the result of hard work by DSS investigators and a number of tips from the public. He also indicated the county will soon roll out a website and telephone number to facilitate these tips.
This was the second such raid in less than a year, involving $56,700. The sweep last October represented more than $100,000 in ill begotten funds. 16 of those arrested were from Troy, with two from Nassau, one from Rensselaer and one other from Mechanicville. Arrested from Nassau were 27-year old Mercedes Thomas and 29-year old Alexander Girgenti. Both stand accused of Welfare Fraud and Felony Grand Larceny in the third Degree, in connection with the alleged theft of $4,729 in public assistance.