Red Hook Couple Accused Of Theft, Fraud

RHINEBECK, NY — A Red Hook couple was accused of stealing from people for whom they were supposed to be caretakers. State police said Shelby M. Blanchard, 32, and Alan W. Blanchard, 35, of Red Hook, were arrested April 22.

Police said an investigation found that the couple was employed by the victims in a care-taking capacity and used their positions to gain access to financial accounts belonging to the victims.

Over the course of two years, the Blanchard's stole more than $50,000 via financial institution bank/credit cards, personal checks and automatic teller withdrawals from accounts belonging to the victims, police said.

Shelby Blanchard was charged with:

• Second-degree grand larceny, a felony
• Four counts of second-degree possession of a forged instrument, felonies
• 14 counts of second-degree identity theft, felonies
• 356 counts of third-degree identity theft, misdemeanors

Alan Blanchard was charged with:

• Third-degree identity theft, a misdemeanor
• Third-degree unlawful possession of personal identification, a misdemeanor
• Petit larceny, a misdemeanor
• Sixth-degree conspiracy, a misdemeanor

Alan Blanchard was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Rhinebeck Court May 9.

Shelby Blanchard was arraigned in the Town of Rhinebeck Court and sent to the Dutchess County Jail in lieu of $5,000 bail or $10,000 bond, with the next court appearance scheduled for April 26.

State police said that, if anyone believes they may have been a victim of theft or fraud by Alan or Shelby Blanchard, they should call Investigator Radewitz of the New York State Police at 845-677-7300. Please reference SJS# 8273264.

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