A Southern Tier woman has been arrested for allegedly stealing $29,893 in state pension checks sent to her deceased stepfather. According to the State Comptroller’s Office, Linda Burrows, of Fillmore, allegedly concealed her stepfather’s death and forged his name in order to steal benefits from the pension fund.
“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 fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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