A 73-year-old Ithaca woman, Sharon Collins, has been charged with Grand Larceny for allegedly stealing nearly $70,000 in state pension payments meant for her late husband. According to the New York State Comptroller’s Office, Collins received 23 payments totaling $69,481 before the scheme was uncovered.
After learning of her husband’s death, the state halted payments and sought to reclaim the funds. Authorities say Collins then withdrew over $26,000 from her account to evade recovery efforts.
State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli and District Attorney Matthew Van Houten praised law enforcement for their role in investigating and prosecuting the case, emphasizing the importance of protecting public funds.
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