The New York State Police at Liberty announce the arrest of three subjects after an investigation into welfare fraud occurring within the Sullivan County Department of Social Services. Arrested were Stephen Mackey, age 48, of Hudson, NY, Darlene Conklin, age 50, and George Conklin Jr., age 30, both of Swan Lake, NY.

An investigation conducted by the New York State Police and the Sullivan County Social Services Fraud Unit determined that false paperwork related to the application for housing, food stamps and HEAP had been submitted to Sullivan County between 2011 and 2013 by all three subjects.

Both Conklins are employed by Sullivan County Social Services as examiners. Mackey was arrested on November 12 and charged with Grand Larceny 4th degree, Offering a False Instrument for Filing 1st degree and Welfare Fraud 4th degree. He was arraigned in the Town of Liberty Court and remanded to the Sullivan County Jail.

Darlene Conklin was arrested on November 15 and charged with Forgery 2nd degree, Offering a False Instrument for Filing 1st degree, and Official Misconduct.

George Conklin was arrested on November 15 and charged with Offering a False Instrument for Filing 1st degree, Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument 2nd Degree, and Official Misconduct.

Both Conklins were arraigned in the Town of Liberty Court and released on $1,500 bail to return in the Town of Liberty Court on 11/19/13, at 10 a.m.

The investigation is continuing and additional charges are expected. The State Police were assisted by the Sullivan County Social Services Fraud Unit, the New York State Welfare Fraud Inspector General, and the Sullivan County District Attorney's Office.