On December 30, 2024, a woman was sentenced to five years' probation and paid full restitution after being convicted of stealing nearly $85,000 in New York state pension payments. Deanna Hansen, the retiree's daughter, pleaded guilty to felony grand larceny in June 2024 before Judge Roger D. McDonough in Albany County Court.”
Hansen’s father had retired from the state in March 2003 and was receiving a direct deposit of his pension into a bank account. He died in April 2020, at which time the pension payments should have stopped.
In July 2022, the state retirement system learned Hansen’s father had died and stopped payments. However Hansen's daughter had access to her deceased father’s bank account and ultimately stole $84,754.13 in New York State pension payments to which she was not entitled.
The Comptroller also reported a Rochester woman pleaded guilty to stealing more than $121,000 in state pension checks that were sent to her deceased grandmother.
The Comptroller thanked his partnership with Monroe County District Attorney Doorley and Sheriff Baxter, together with Assistant District Attorney Greg Clark and Chief of the Public Integrity/Economic Crimes Bureau, "for prioritizing these offenses that victimize our entire state.”
DiNapoli said. “My office will continue partnering with law enforcement to protect the pension system and its members.” “Elona Roberts abused a system that is meant for dedicated public servants who spend long careers working for the people of their communities,” noted District Attorney Doorley said. “
After Elona Roberts' grandmother retired from her job as a maintenance supervisor for Monroe County in December 1998, she received a monthly pension check. When she passed away in 2017, the state pension system was not informed of her death and checks continued to be sent. Roberts forged her grandmother’s name as an endorsement and deposited 66 checks into her own back account. She spent the money on personal expenses such as household bills, jewelry, and hotels, in addition to making cash withdrawals.
When the pension system learned that Roberts’ grandmother had passed away, DiNapoli’s office launched an investigation, culminating in Roberts’ confession to the crime.
Roberts pleaded guilty on Monday to grand larceny in Monroe County Court before Judge Stephen T. Miller. She is due back in court for sentencing on March 7.
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Since taking office in 2007, DiNapoli has committed to
fighting public corruption and encourages the public to help fight fraud and
abuse. New Yorkers can report allegations of fraud involving taxpayer money by
calling the toll-free Fraud Hotline at 1-888-672-4555, by emailing a complaint
to investigations@osc.ny.gov or
by mailing a complaint to: Office of the State Comptroller, Division of Investigations,
8th Floor, 110 State St., Albany, NY 12236.