DiNAPOLI: WESTCHESTER SISTERS ADMIT TO STEALING $22,000 OF DECEASED MOTHER'S PENSION PAYMENTS

 

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr. announced the convictions of Annette Bigelow, 60, and Mary Nash, 59, who hid their mother’s death to collect nearly $22,000 in her state pension payments from 2013 to 2015. The two Westchester County residents each pleaded guilty to one count of felony grand larceny in the fourth degree.

"This was a deliberate act to abuse the system,” DiNapoli said. “Bigelow and Nash covered up their mother’s death for two years to steal from the New York State and Local Employees Retirement System. They now have judgments against them to repay the stolen funds. Those who try to scam the retirement system will be held accountable. I thank Westchester County D.A. Scarpino, Jr. for prosecuting these thefts.”

“This is another instance where people trying to scam the system have gotten caught taking money from the people of New York,” said Scarpino, Jr. “We continue to work with State Comptroller DiNapoli to stop this kind of fraud. We hope this sends a message to others who might think they could get away with it.”

Bigelow and Nash appeared before Westchester County Court Judge David Zuckerman. Bigelow and Nash are due back in court Jan. 6 for sentencing.

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 investigations@osc.state.ny.us, or by mailing a complaint to: Office of the State Comptroller, Division of Investigations, 14th Floor, 110 State St., Albany, NY 12236.

Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr. leads the largest district attorney’s office north of New York City. The office employs more than 200 assistant district attorneys, criminal investigators and support staff. The District Attorney’s Office works with over 40 local police departments, the Westchester Department of Public Safety, New York State Police, as well as other state and federal law enforcement agencies. Contact us at info@westchesterda.net.