MINEOLA, N.Y. – Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced the arrest of a Uniondale woman for allegedly stealing more than $75,000 in Medicaid and food stamp benefits over the course of two and a half years.
Bosede Agbaje, 37, was arraigned yesterday before Judge William Hohauser on charges of Welfare Fraud in the Third Degree (a D felony), Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (a D felony) and Offering a False Instrument for Filing (an E felony). The defendant was Released on His Own Recognizance and is due back in court December 11. If convicted of the top count she faces up to 2-1/3 to seven years in prison.
“Medicaid and food assistance programs provide essential support to those with the greatest need, and anyone who rips off the taxpayers and deprives the most vulnerable will face serious charges,” DA Singas said. “I thank the Department of Social Services for bringing us this case for prosecution.”
DSS Commissioner John E. Imhof noted that, “The overwhelmingly vast majority of individuals who require and qualify for DSS assistance comply with the benefit requirements. Regretfully, there are those who seek to acquire benefits through criminal means; however, our capacity to apprehend those who attempt to defraud the system is stronger than ever. Our social service investigators will continue working towards identifying abuses and continuing our excellent relationship with the DA’s office.”
DA Singas said between January 1, 2012 and June 27, 2014, the defendant unscrupulously received Medicaid and food stamps benefits that totaled $77,800.17. Additionally, between February 17, 2012 and April 3, 2014, the defendant filed recertification forms and supporting documentation with the Nassau County Department of Social Services where she is alleged to have failed to report her husband as living in the familial household.
During the years of the alleged fraud, the defendant was gainfully employed as a home healthcare aide and her husband worked two jobs with their combined yearly household gross income ranging from between $66,465.00 to $110,067.00 – amounts which would have made her ineligible for benefits.
This case was referred to the NCDA in December 2016 following an investigation that was started by the Department of Social Services.
Senior Assistant District Attorney Michelle Sheehan Prior of the Economic Crimes Bureau is prosecuting the case. The defendant is represented by Barry Weiss, Esq.
The charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.
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