DiNapoli: Rochester Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing $121,000 in Pension Checks Sent to Late Grandmother

A Rochester woman pleaded guilty to stealing more than $121,000 in state pension checks that were sent to her deceased grandmother, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley, and Monroe County Sheriff Todd K. Baxter announced today. The defendant, Elona Roberts, was arrested in June.

"Elona Roberts exploited her grandmother's death to enrich herself. Thanks to my partnership with District Attorney Doorley and Sheriff Baxter, she has now been held accountable," 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," Doorley said. "I am pleased that the defendant is taking responsibility for this major theft from the taxpayers of the State of New York and is returning the stolen funds. I would like to thank Assistant District Attorney Greg Clark, Chief of the Public Integrity/Economic Crimes Bureau for prioritizing these offenses that victimize our entire state."

"The New York State Pension System is a benefit for those who give themselves in service to others in the state," Baxter said. "I applaud the tenacity of the MCSO Economics Crime investigators, The Monroe County District Attorney's Office and members of the New York State Comptroller's Office, who worked in unison to protect the pension system and hold the violator accountable."

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.

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 [email protected]or by mailing a complaint to: Office of the State Comptroller, Division of Investigations, 8th Floor, 110 State St., Albany, NY 12236.