MONTICELLO – A man, who
lists his address as the Willowemoc Motel in Livingston Manor, is now
spending time behind bars.
Thomas Stalter, 44, was released from state prison in December after serving
nine years for an Orange County burglary.
On February 2, he was arrested by Sullivan County Sheriff’s deputies
after he entered a home in the Town of Thompson and startled the occupant,
who called 911. Stalter fled to a nearby home, but was apprehended when
deputies tracked him through footprints in the snow.
He was charged with burglary and violating his parole and was sent to
the Sullivan County Jail without bail.
Now, deputies charged Stalter, along with an acquaintance, Jenny Paesch,
35, of Mountaindale, with misuse of food stamps. It is alleged that he
gave her his benefits card to use while he was in jail. Under state law,
when a person is incarcerated, he or she is not entitled to social services
benefits, and must reapply when released. Paesch was not an authorized
user on the account.
Both were charged with the misdemeanor of misuse of food stamps. Paesch
was released on an appearance ticket returnable to Liberty Town Court.
Stalter was returned to jail pending a future court appearance.
Sheriff Michael Schiff thanked Joseph Todora, commissioner of the Division
of Health and Family Services and his Special Investigations Unit for
their assistance in the investigation.
