DA’S PRESS RELEASE
Rockland County District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe today announced that Marleny Fernandez (DOB 09/07/81) of 2B Kensington Circle, Garnerville, New York has been arrested and arraigned on one count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class “D” Felony.
According to the charges, Fernandez, a recipient of food stamps through the Rockland County Department of Social Services, withheld information relating to her employment.
It is alleged that the defendant falsely reported that she was unemployed when recertifying eligibility for benefits.
It is further alleged that Fernandez was, in fact, gainfully employed by two separate lawn and tree maintenance companies during the recertification period.
Between April, 2010 and June, 2011, Fernandez illegally received $4,676 in food stamp benefits.
The defendant was arrested by the Rockland County Special Investigations Unit following a probe conducted jointly with the Rockland County Department of Social Services.
Fernandez was arraigned in the Town of Haverstraw Justice Court before the Honorable John Grant and released on her own recognizance.
The defendant is due to return to court on April 1, 2013.
She faces up to seven years in state prison, if convicted.
The case is being prosecuted by Supervising Assistant District Attorney Anthony Dellicarri.