Man Steals Over $8,000 in Unemployment Benefits, Police Say

A Poughkeepsie man was arrested after allegedly stealing over $8,000 in unemployment benefits. 

On Tuesday, State Troopers from Poughkeepsie (Troop K) arrested Jose Merced, age 33, of Poughkeepsie.

Merced allegedly collected unemployment insurance benefits in the amount of $8,500.00 from the New York State Department of Labor while gainfully employed.

Merced was charged with Grand Larceny third-degree, and Offering a False Instrument for Filing, both felonies.

He was arraigned in the Town of Pleasant Valley Court and remanded to Dutchess County Jail in lieu of $500 cash bail or $1,500 bond.

He is due back in court this week.