New York State Police arrested a Red Hook couple Monday on felony fraud and theft charges following an investigation into thefts from the financial accounts of victims who employed them as caretakers.
Shelby M. Blanchard, 32, was arrested for second-degree grand larceny, four counts of second-degree possession of a forged instrument, fourteen counts of second-degree identity theft, all felonies, and 356 counts of third-degree identity theft, a misdemeanor.
Alan W. Blanchard, 35, was arrested for third-degree identity theft, third-degree unlawful possession of personal identification, petit larceny, and sixth-degree conspiracy, all misdemeanors.
Police say the Blanchards were employed by the victims in a caretaking capacity, and used their positions to gain access to financial accounts belonging to the victims. Over the course of two years, police allege the Blanchards stole over $50,000 U.S. dollars via financial institution bank/credit cards, personal checks, and automatic teller withdrawals from accounts belonging to the victim.
Alan Blanchard was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the town of Rhinebeck Court on May 9.
Shelby Blanchard was arraigned before the town of Rhinebeck Court, and remanded by the Honorable Judge Kane to the Dutchess County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 secure bond. Shelby Blanchard is next scheduled to appear before the Court on April 26.
If anyone believes they may have been a victim of theft or fraud by Alan or Shelby Blanchard, they are asked to please contact Investigator Radewitz of the New York State Police at (845) 677-7300. Please reference SJS# 8273264.
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