DiNapoli: Syracuse Man Arrested For Allegedly Stealing Over $21,000 in Pension Checks Meant For His Deceased Mother

Syracuse man was arrested yesterday for allegedly stealing over $21,946 in state pension payments meant for his deceased mother, State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and the New York State Police announced. Michael Glinski, 45, is charged with grand larceny.

"Mr. Glinski allegedly tried to capitalize on his mother's death by pocketing pension checks meant for her," DiNapoli said. "I will continue to safeguard the pension system and work with law enforcement across the state to hold those who attempt to defraud it accountable. My thanks to DA Fitzpatrick and the New York State Police for their continued partnership in combatting fraud."

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, "Today's arrest would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of all those involved from the Comptroller's Office, Onondaga County District Attorney's Office, and the New York State Police. Together, we were able to uncover this alleged fraud against the state pension system. The New York State Police stands ready to assist in investigating and apprehending individuals willing to engage in any fraudulent acts."

Glinski's mother, a clerk with the Village of Solvay Police Department, retired in August of 2014 and received a monthly pension check. She also received her deceased husband's pension payment as a beneficiary since 2019. When she passed away in October 2021, both payments should have stopped, but the New York State and Local Retirement System was not notified of her death until July 2022. Her payments then stopped, and an investigation was launched.

DiNapoli's investigators determined that Glinski had deposited 17 pension checks into his personal bank account, totaling $21,946.36. He was able to do this by allegedly signing the checks using his power of attorney which he allegedly knew ended under the law at the time of his mother's death.

Glinski was arraigned in Onondaga County Justice Center Centralized Arraignment Court on a charge of grand larceny in the third degree. He is due

The charges filed in this case are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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.