Rockland County District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe announced that Nathan Misky (DOB 11/03/56) and Mindy Misky (08/08/59) of 73 West Maple Avenue, Monsey, New York have been arrested and arraigned for bilking the federal government and Rockland County of more than $75,000 over two years.

Nathan and Mindy Misky 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

When applying and recertifying for government benefits, Nathan and Mindy Misky 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, Mindy Misky 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 Nathan Misky was a Section 8 tenant and Mindy Misky 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.

Nathan and Mindy Misky were arraigned today in the Town of Haverstraw Justice Court by the Honorable John Grant. Bail was set in the amount of $50,000.

Each defendant faces 4 2/3 to 14 years in state prison.

Executive Assistant District Attorney Gary Lee Heavner will prosecute the case.