LI Woman Charged After Receiving 130K In Welfare Fraud Scheme: DA

MINEOLA, NY — A Freeport woman has been charged with grand larceny and welfare fraud for receiving more than $130,000 in childcare and Medicaid benefits, over four years, for which she was not entitled, prosecutors said.

Angelique White, 32, was arraigned Thursday on charges that include second-degree grand larceny, second-degree welfare fraud and third-degree insurance fraud, Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said.

White allegedly failed to disclose employment income from two separate positions and rental income from properties she co-owned in Elmont and Freeport, the D.A. said.

White pleaded not guilty and was released on her own recognizance.

"Over the course of several years, this defendant allegedly defrauded public assistance programs of more than $130,000 while she pocketed thousands of dollars in rental payments from two properties that she co-owned and salaries from jobs at the U.S. Postal Service and Northwell Labs," said Donnelly.

According to the charges, Donnelly said that between August 2017 and June 2020, White submitted yearly New York State Health Benefits Exchange applications and began receiving Medicaid benefits. In the applications, she requested health care benefits for her two children and listed annual incomes for each year ranging from $0 to $24,000. White also affirmed that she did not receive any rental income, Donnelly said.

A subsequent review of her financial records and Nassau County Land records by NCDSS revealed that the White's verified income during this period exceeded both the childcare income limit, the D.A.'s office said.

White's alleged failure to accurately report her annual income and rental income resulted in an overpayment to the defendant of $39,771 in childcare benefits and $92,730 in Medicaid benefits, Donnelly said.

She is due back in court on January 16, 2025. If convicted, White faces up to 5 to 15 years in prison.