(WNY News Now) – A Tannersville couple is facing felony charges after allegedly failing to report a family member’s death and collecting over $35,000 in pension benefits.
New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced the arrest of Kelly Tuomey, 56, and Stephen B. Tuomey, 60, both of Tannersville, for allegedly stealing pension payments intended for a deceased family member. The investigation was conducted in partnership with Greene County District Attorney Joseph Stanzione and the New York State Police.
According to officials, Stephen Tuomey’s father retired from the New York State Office of General Services in 1997 and received pension payments via direct deposit. He also collected additional pension funds following his wife’s death. When Stephen’s father passed away on March 4, 2020, both pension payments should have ceased. Instead, the couple allegedly continued receiving and cashing payments for over two years.
The New York State and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS) reportedly deposited $30,189.80 electronically into the joint account shared by the Tuomeys and the deceased. In addition, $5,050.16 in paper checks were allegedly forged and deposited. The NYSLRS detected the irregularities in 2022 and launched an investigation.
Authorities say Kelly Tuomey forged her father-in-law’s signature on pension checks and deposited them into the joint account. Over $20,000 was then transferred into her personal and shared accounts with Stephen Tuomey. Investigators allege the stolen funds were used to pay off credit card bills and other personal expenses.
“The defendants allegedly exploited a family member’s death to try to cheat the pension system and enrich themselves,” DiNapoli said. “I will continue to safeguard the state pension system and work with law enforcement to hold those who would defraud it accountable. I thank DA Stanzione and the New York State Police for their continued partnership in protecting the pension system.”
DA Stanzione emphasized the importance of prosecuting those who unlawfully receive pension funds, stating that the arrests reflect a commitment to safeguarding public resources.
“We are committed to protecting the assets of the pension fund and prosecuting people who receive pension funds they are not entitled to,” said Stanzione. “The arrest of Stephen and Kelly Tuomey sends a strong message of this commitment to hold people accountable.”
The couple appeared before Judge Richard Jacobs in the Town of Catskill Court. Kelly Tuomey was charged with two counts of grand larceny in the third degree and eight counts of forgery. Stephen Tuomey faces one count of grand larceny in the third degree. Both are scheduled to return to court on May 1.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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