For More Information Contact:
Captain John Watterson
845-486-3860
The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of Michael J. McGinness, age 41 of Poughkeepsie, for 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 Mr. McGinness received approximately $35,527 in SNAP benefits between February 2009 and September 2014. Mr. McGinness is accused of stealing the benefits by concealing the fact that he had other outside income, something that would have made him ineligible for them.
Mr. McGinness was arrested on 3/8/17 and charged with Welfare Fraud 3rd degree, which is a Class D Felony. After being processed he was arraigned at the City of Poughkeepsie Court, and was released on his own recognizance to reappear on 3/30/17.
As with any criminal case, the charges described here are merely accusations and Mr. McGinness is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
