MONSEY RESIDENT CHARGED WITH ILLEGALLY COLLECTING MORE THAN $150 THOUSAND IN WELFARE BENEFITS IN ONGOING FRAUD CRACKDOWN

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe today announced that Benjamin Ruttner (DOB 10/08/51) of 5 School Terrace, Monsey, New York has been arrested and arraigned for bilking the federal government and Rockland County of more than $156,000 over five years.

Ruttner is charged with:

• One count of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a class “C” Felony

• One count of Welfare Fraud in the Second Degree, a class “C” Felony

Between November, 2004 and November, 2009, Ruttner illegally received more than $89,000 in federal Section 8 housing benefits. Additionally, between May, 2006 and August, 2009, the defendant collected more than $67,000 in food stamps and Medicaid benefits from the Rockland County Department of Social Services to which he was not entitled.

When applying and recertifying for government benefits, Ruttner misled the government agencies involved in overseeing the welfare programs by providing bogus information. The defendant falsely reported his personal assets to allow him to appear to qualify for the public assistance, when, in reality, he held several bank accounts containing substantial balances.

The arrest of the Ruttner this afternoon resulted from a joint investigation conducted by the Rockland County Special Investigations Unit, the Rockland County Social Services Special Investigations Unit and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Inspector General.

“This defendant’s capture is another example of our continuing effort to ferret out and prosecute those who cheat the system and steal from all law-abiding taxpayers in Rockland,” said District Attorney Zugibe. “Those who commit fraudulent welfare acts not only shortchange the county, but also rip off honest members of the community who need public help. To all those who commit this illegal conduct: We will find you and prosecute you.”

HUD Special Agent in Charge Rene Febles stated, "It is very important that we protect the important programs administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, such as the Section 8 program. This program is designed to assist those in need of the limited precious housing available. When someone violates the rules and regulations of such a program, it is up to Law Enforcement and Prosecutors to ensure that they are investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law." "If anyone suspects fraud in the Section 8 or other program administered by HUD, they should contact the HUD Hotline at 1800 347 3735."

The defendant’s arrest is part of the Rockland County District Attorney’s continued and consistent aggressive effort to expose and prosecute those local residents who steal public assistance benefits.

Ruttner was arraigned in the Town of Haverstraw Justice Court on this evening by the Honorable Peter Branti. Bail was set in the amount of $100,000 He is due to return to court on November 18, 2009.

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

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

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