LIVINGSTON MANOR - A parolee, who was arrested in February for burglary, has been now been charged with food stamp fraud.

Thomas J. Stalter, 44, who lists his address as the Willowemoc Motel in Livingston Manor, was released from state prison in December after serving 9 years for a burglary which occurred in Orange County. On February 2nd, Stalter was arrested by Sullivan County Sheriff's Deputies after he entered a residence in the Town of Thompson and startled the occupant who called 911. Footprints in the snow led police to Stalter who fled to a nearby home and was taken into custody. Stalter, who was charged in that case with burglary and violating his parole, was sent to the Sullivan County Jail without bail. Last week Deputies charged Thomas Stalter and an acquaintance, Jenny Paesch, 35, of Mountaindale with misuse of food stamps. It is alleged that Stalter gave Paesch his benefits card to use while he was in jail. Under the law, when a person is incarcerated they are not entitled to social services benefits, and must reapply upon release. Additionally, Paesch was not an authorized user on the account. Statler and Paesch were each charged with the Misdemeanor of Misuse of Food Stamps. Jenny Paesch was released on an appearance ticket with a return date of May 16th in the Town of Liberty Court. Thomas Statler was arraigned and returned to jail pending a May 6th court date in Liberty.

Sheriff Mike Schiff thanked Joseph Todora, Commissioner of the Division of Health & Family Services and his Special Investigations Unit for their assistance in this investigation.