October 01, 2020

Sisters admit theft of $22,000 of their deceased mother's New York State pension payments

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr. announced the convictions of two sisters alleged to have concealed the death of their mother in order to unlawfully obtain nearly $22,000 from the Retirement System following her death.

The two Westchester County residents each pleaded guilty to one count of felony grand larceny in the fourth degree.* In addition, the sisters have judgments against them to repay the stolen Retirement System funds.

The Comptroller said "[t]hose who try to scam the retirement system will be held accountable" and thanked Westchester County D.A. Scarpino, Jr. "for prosecuting these thefts.”

It was reported that both are to appeared before Westchester County Court Judge David Zuckerman on January 6, 2021, for sentencing.

Individuals may report alleged fraud involving public monies to the State Comptroller by calling the toll-free Fraud Hotline at 1-888-672-4555, by mailing a report of such allegations to the Office of the State Comptroller, Division of Investigations, 14th Floor, 110 State St., Albany, NY 12236, or by reporting alleged misconduct using the Internet [investigations@osc.state.ny.us].

Westchester County District Attorney Scarpino, Jr. leads the second largest district attorney’s office in New York State. Individuals may email the District Attorney's Office [info@westchesterda.net] to report allegations of fraud involving public funds.

* New York State Penal Code Article 155, posted on the Internet at http://ypdcrime.com/penal.law/article155.htm