DiNapoli: Allegany County Woman Arrested for Theft of Nearly $30,000 in Pension Checks

November 22, 2024

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Allegany County District Attorney Ian Jones and the New York State Police announced the arrest of Linda Burrows of Fillmore, New York for the alleged theft of $29,893 in state pension checks sent to her deceased stepfather.

"Linda Burrows allegedly concealed her stepfather's death and forged his name in order to steal benefits from the pension fund," DiNapoli said. "My office will continue to partner with law enforcement, to protect the integrity of our pension system and I thank District Attorney Jones and the state Police for working with us to hold Burrows accountable."

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, "This arrest is another example of how dedicated police work and strong law enforcement partnerships are succeeding in tackling pension fraud. The alleged actions by Ms. Burrows will be fully investigated to bring justice and closure to this case. I commend the dedicated work put forth by our State Police members, the Comptroller's Office, and the Allegany County District Attorney's Office in making this arrest."

Burrows' mother retired as a custodian for the Yorkshire Pioneer Central School District and received a monthly pension through the New York State and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS). When Burrow's mother passed away in 2019, her pension went to her designated beneficiary, which was her husband, who was Burrows' stepfather.

When he died the following year, the pension payments should have stopped. Instead, Burrows, who lived at their address, allegedly forged her deceased stepfather's signature over the next 23 months and deposited the checks in a joint account. She spent $8,752 of the money at various casinos during that time.

When NYSLRS became aware of her stepfather's death, it halted payments.

Burrows was charged with Grand Larceny in the third degree, Forgery in the second degree and Possession of a Forged Instrument in the second degree. She is scheduled to be arraigned on Dec. 12 in Hume Town Court.

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