For the second time today, the media has announced yet another arrest of a Frum couple residing in Monsey, NY. Naturally, a photo of him with his yarmulka, beard, and peyos was posted as well.

The following is some info released by the Rockland County District Attorney:

The couple, residing in Monsey, New York have been arrested and arraigned for bilking the federal government and Rockland County of more than $75,000 over two years.

They are each charged with:

One count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class “D” Felony
One count of Welfare Fraud in the Third Degree, a class “D” Felony

Between February, 2006 and April, 2007, they illegally received more than $26,000 in federal Section 8 housing benefits. Additionally, between April, 2006 and February, 2008, the couple collected more than $49,000 in food stamps and Medicaid benefits from the Rockland County Department of Social Services to which they were not entitled.

When applying and recertifying for government benefits, the couple misled the government agencies involved in overseeing the welfare programs by providing false information. The defendants failed to report multiple personal bank accounts, containing hundreds of thousands of dollars. Additionally, they failed to report the ownership of multiple real estate holdings in Rockland and Sullivan counties worth several million dollars.

The defendants, who are husband and wife, lived together in their primary residence, where the husband was a Section 8 tenant and the wife sky was a Section 8 landlord. The defendant’s six-bedroom, three-bathroom residence was purchased new in 2005 for $775,000. Legal title to the home was transferred to several holding companies before the defendants applied for government assistance in 2006. In 2007, the 4,000 square foot residence was appraised during a mortgage refinance for $1.4 million.  

The arrests result from an extensive investigation by the District Attorney’s Office Special Investigations Unit, the Rockland County Department of Social Services Special Investigations Unit and the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“Today’s arrests will send a message to those who abuse the system to steal public benefits and money for those who really need it. If you swindle government assistance by fraudulent means, it’s a crime and we will be knocking on your door” said Rockland District Attorney Thomas Zugibe.

“The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General continues to work with the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office to detect and help prosecute fraud in HUD Programs. HUD Programs are designed to provide safe and affordable housing to our citizens. When individuals defraud the HUD Housing Choice Voucher Program or any program it means that those who are most in need may have to go without the benefits they truly deserve. Housing is a basic need for everyone and when we work together like we did today, we are helping to fulfill this basic need. Whenever there are allegations of misuse, the HUD Office of Inspector General will be there to ensure that it is detected” said Special Agent in Charge Rene Febles, HUD Office of Inspector General.

The couple were arraigned today, and each defendant faces 4 2/3 to 14 years in state prison.

(Dov Gordon – YWN / MidHudsonNews.com)