Store Owner, Son-In-Law Face Welfare Fraud Charges

MIDDLETOWN, NY — A store owner and his son-in-law face welfare fraud charges in Middletown. State police said, during the months of November and December, Ahsan Chaudhry, 59, and Ammar Ahmad, 24, both of Middletown, were accused of allowing holders of electronic benefit cards (EBT cards) to trade them for cash, often at a fraction of the balances on the cards.

Chaudhry and Ahmad then used the cards to purchase inventory from area retailers for Chaudhry's Sam's mart convenience store, located at 90 Academy Ave. in the City of Middletown. police said.

A search warrant was executed at the store Dec. 5, after which the men were arrested.

Chaudhry was charged with first-degree criminal use of a benefit card, first-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, second-degree criminal possession of a benefit card and possession of counterfeit tax stamps, all felonies, misuse of food stamps, fifth-degree welfare fraud and possession of or sale of unstamped cigarettes, misdemeanors.

Ahmad was charged with second-degree criminal possession of a benefit card and fifth-degree welfare fraud.

Both men were arraigned in the City of Middletown Court.

Chaudhry was released on his own recognizance.

Ahmad was sent to the Orange County Jail in lieu of $1,000 bail or $2,000 bond.

State police were assisted by the Orange County District Attorney's Office, the City of Middletown Police Department, NYS Department of Taxation and Finance, New York State Office of Temporary Disability Assistance and the Orange County Department of Social Services.

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Photo caption: From left, Ahsan Chaudhry and Ammar Ahmad. Photo credit: NYSP.