Metro

Probers put brakes on SI bus driver in 94G housing fraud

Authorities have charged a Staten Island bus driver and his wife with cheating the government out of $94,000 in housing subsidies and other benefits.

City Department of Investigation Commissioner Rose Gil Hearn announced the arrests of David Vale and Maria Almanzar yesterday.

A criminal complaint accuses the couple of collecting $60,000 in housing subsidies by falsely claiming she was living alone in a home they shared on Staten Island. It says Vale was making about $104,000 a year as a bus driver at the time.

Authorities also charged Almanzar with fraudulently obtaining another $34,000 in food stamp and Medicaid benefits.

The husband and wife each face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.