GOSHEN, N.Y. -- Two dozen people in Orange County are accused of stealing nearly a quarter-million dollars in public assistance.
Orange County officials say the 24 people stole more than $240,000 in welfare, food stamps, Medicaid, and other benefits. It's the fifth welfare fraud sweep since Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler and County Executive Steve Neuhaus took office.
“Since the beginning of January 1, 2014, we’ve prosecuted 146 individuals and two corporations,” Hoovler said.
He says most of the people arrested this time had been defrauding the county for several months. Since 2014, officials say they've uncovered more than $1.5 million in fraud. About $420,000 has been recovered so far.
“We’ve been able to cut millions and millions in county spending including the social services department because we’re not spending money on people that utilizing these benefits,” Neuhaus said.
In addition, officials say about $189,000 has been voluntarily returned by people who were not entitled to it.
Hoovler says the goal is not put people in jail, but rather get the money back and give it to those that need it.
"Hopefully ... there are people out there that are applying or continuing to apply, that they see that we are going to hold you accountable for lying to the government,” Hoovler said.
“I will say this: that there continues to be more and more of these as we find these cases, and we’re going to continue to do what I think the public wants to see,” Neuhaus said.
The county social services department and special investigations unit participated in the sweep.