The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of Janet Rodriguez, age 49 of Pawling, for welfare fraud stemming from a recent investigation.

An investigation by the Sheriff’s Office Detective Division, in conjunction with the Investigations Division of the Dutchess County Department of Community and Family Services, has revealed that Ms. Rodriguez illegally obtained $6,896 in public assistance and SNAP benefits between July 2016 and September 2017 by allegedly concealing the fact that she was employed.

Ms. Rodriguez was arrested on 7/2/19 and charged with Welfare Fraud 3rd degree, Grand Larceny 3rd degree, and Offering a False Instrument for Filing 1st  degree (all felonies). After being processed she was arraigned at the City of Poughkeepsie Court and released to reappear on 7/16/19 at 9:00 am.

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