Couple Accused Of Endangering Disabled Man's Welfare Enter Pleas

GOSHEN, NY — An Orange County couple that had been accused of endangering the welfare of a developmentally disabled man and stealing his benefits entered pleas Thursday, April 19 in Orange County Court. District Attorney David M. Hoovler said John Quick, 68, pleaded guilty to third-degree criminal tax fraud, a felony. His wife, Mary Quick, 63, pleaded guilty to fifth-degree criminal tax fraud, a misdemeanor.

At the time of their pleas, they admitted they had not only failed to file state personal income tax returns for the taxable year 2012, but also failed to report as income a sum of money that they had obtained from the developmentally disabled man who had been living in stable-hand quarters in a barn on their property.

As part of the plea agreement, Hoovler said, the Quicks will repay $35,783.67 to the developmentally disabled man.

The Quicks are scheduled to be sentenced June 8.

The investigation into the matter started when the State Police got a complaint that the disabled man was asking neighbors for food, even though he was Social Security and disability income.

The man is no longer living on the Quick’s property and is receiving assistance from the Orange County Adult Protective Services.

A grand jury had initially charged the couple with third-degree grand larceny and first-degree endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person, felonies.

Another Orange County grand jury charged the Quicks with crimes including third-degree criminal tax fraud, and the cases were combined into one indictment.

“I can’t overstate the importance of neighbors and other concerned citizens reporting crimes when they believe someone is being victimized,” Hooler said. “I am grateful to the New York State Police for their work on this case, and for the work of Orange County Adult Protective Services in ensuring that this developmentally disabled man is now in a better situation. This disposition ensures that he will receive all of his money back from the defendants. I thank the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance for all their assistance in this case.”

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