Beacon woman charged with welfare fraud and larceny

The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of Elida G. Almonte, age 41 of the City of Beacon, for grand larceny and welfare fraud stemming from a recent investigation.

Investigation by the Sheriff’s Office Detective Division, in conjunction with the Special Investigations Unit of the Dutchess County Community and Family Services Department, has revealed that Mrs. Almonte allegedly stole $34,758 in daycare assistance between January 2011 and August 2014. Mrs. Almonte is accused of stealing the benefits by concealing the fact that there was other income within her family’s residence, a fact which would have made her ineligible for the benefits.

Mrs. Almonte was arrested on 1/12/16 and charged with grand larceny 3rd degree and welfare fraud 3rd degree, both Class D Felonies. After being processed she was arraigned at the City of Poughkeepsie Court, and was released on her own recognizance to reappear on 1/26/16.

As with any criminal case, the charges described here are merely accusations and Mrs. Almonte is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.