TANNERSVILLE, N.Y. (NEWS10)– A Tannersville couple have been arrested for allegedly stealing over $35,000 in pension payments. According to the New York State Comptroller’s Office, Kelly Tuomey, 56, and her husband, Stephen Tuomey, 60, face multiple grand larceny charges.
According to State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, Stephen Tuomey’s father retired from the New York State Office of General Services in May 1997. Since then, he was receiving monthly state pension payments through direct deposit in a joint checking account he shared with the defendants. His father was also the beneficiary of his wife’s pension and upon her death, he received her pension payment through check.
Officials say when Stephen’s father died in 2020, the couple did not report the death to the New York State and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS). In 2022, the NYSLRS learned about the death and all payments were stopped, but at that point a total of $30,189.80 was deposited into the joint account and $5,050.16 in checks were cashed.
According to the comptroller, an investigation revealed Kelly Tuomey allegedly forged signatures on the checks and deposited them. She then allegedly transferred over $20,000 into her own personal account and into an account the two shared.
The investigation determined the two allegedly used the funds 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.”
The two were arraigned in the Town of Catskill Court on the following charges:
Kelly Tuomey charges:
- Two counts of grand larceny in the third degree
- Eight counts of forgery
Stephen Tuomey charges:
- Grand larceny in the third degree
“We are committed to protecting the assets of the pension fund and prosecuting people who receive pension funds they are not entitled to,” said Greene County District Attorney Joseph Stanzione. “The arrest of Stephen and Kelly Tuomey sends a strong message of this commitment to hold people accountable.”
Both defendants are due back in court on May 1.
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