New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and the New York State Police announced the arrest of Bonnie S. Robertson, 63, of Pleasant Valley in the alleged theft of nearly $42,000 of her deceased mother's pension payments.

"Ms. Robertson allegedly thought she could deceive the retirement system and continue to pocket her deceased mother's pension to pay her personal bills. Instead, she is now charged with a felony," said State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. "I will continue to investigate and hold accountable those who attempt to defraud the pension system. I thank the New York State Police and Dutchess County District Attorney Grady for their continued partnership."

Robertson was charged with Grand Larceny in the 3rd degree, a class D felony. The investigation discovered that Robertson's mother, a pensioner in the New York State and Local Retirement System, had passed away in 2013. Robertson, who had joint access to her mother's account, failed to notify the State retirement fund of the pensioner's passing, and continued to fraudulently collect pension payments totaling $41,923.70.

Robertson was arraigned before the town of Unionvale Court, and released to the supervision of Dutchess County Probation. Robertson is next scheduled to appear before the town of Stanford Court on September 26, 2018, at 5:30 p.m.

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 [email protected] or by mailing a complaint to: Office of the State Comptroller, Division of Investigations, 14th Floor, 110 State St., Albany, NY 12236. Review prior cases at http://www.osc.state.ny.us/investigations.