The Sullivan County Welfare Fraud Task Force has arrested:
August 19th 2021 – A joint investigation with members of the New York State Department of Financial Services, Frauds Bureau and Sullivan County Welfare Fraud Task Force has resulted in the arrest of Melissa D. Reynolds 28 of Liberty. Reynolds was arrested and charged with the Class E Felony of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree and the Class D Felony of Welfare Fraud in the Third Degree. It is alleged that Reynolds stole $5,777.50 in Temporary Assistance Benefits by failing to report her boyfriend whom was living with her was receiving Unemployment Insurance Benefits and by submitting Temporary Assistance recertification’s to the Department of Family Services that contained false information. Reynolds was released on an appearance ticket to appear in the Town of Liberty Court at a later date.
August 20th 2021 – Charles G. Jones 33 and Amanda M. Deda 37 of Monticello were arrested and charged with the Class E Felonies of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree (2 counts) and the Class D Felony of Welfare Fraud in the Third Degree. It is alleged that Deda and Jones stole $14,949.00 in Public Assistance and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Benefits by failing to report Jones was working and living in the home. Then by submitting Recertification’s for Public Assistance to the Department of Family Services that contained false information. Deda and Jones were released on an appearance tickets to appear in the Town of Liberty Court at a later date.
August 20th 2021 – Tina Knapp-Soriano 60 of Liberty was arrested and charged with the Class E Felony of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree and the Class E Felony of Misuse of Food Stamps Fourth Degree. It is alleged that Knapp-Soriano stole $2,324.00 SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Benefits by failing to report she was receiving income from an employer. Knapp-Soriano was released on an appearance ticket to appear in the Town of Liberty Court at a later date.