logo
Former Erie County DSS employee admits to stealing HEAP benefits

Former Erie County DSS employee admits to stealing HEAP benefits

Yahoo02-04-2025

BUFFALO — A former Erie County Department of Social Services employee was recently caught using her position to fraudulently divert public assistance funds for personal gain, according to State Welfare Inspector General Lucy Lang.
Denise Nelson, 56, of Buffalo, pleaded guilty Wednesday in Erie County Court before the Honorable Sheila A. DiTullio to one count of third-degree attempted grand larceny, a class E felony under New York State Penal Law. Under the terms of her plea agreement, Nelson has made full restitution of $4,917 to the Erie County Department of Social Services, National Grid, and National Fuel Gas.
Following a referral from the Erie County Department of Social Services, an investigation by the Inspector General's Office revealed that Nelson misused her access as an Erie County Department of Social Services worker to redirect HEAP benefits in the names of other people to properties she owned, without the knowledge or consent of the rightful recipients.
Her fraudulent actions resulted in nearly $5,000 worth of unauthorized heating services at the expense of Erie County taxpayers.
'As a public employee, Ms. Nelson was entrusted with administering essential services to those in need,' Lang said. 'Instead, she exploited her position for personal gain, undermining a vital program intended to assist vulnerable New Yorkers. This case underscores our unwavering commitment to holding those who abuse public resources accountable.'
'This program is reserved for low-income individuals and families who truly need help paying for their home utilities,' added Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane. 'I want to thank the Offices of the New York State Inspector General and Erie County Department of Social Services HEAP Office for their partnership in this investigation. Together, we will continue to hold those who fraudulently obtain these benefits accountable.'
Nelson's employment with the Erie County DSS was terminated as a result of her actions.
Inspector General Lang extended her appreciation to the investigative team, including Investigative Counsel John Philipps, Investigator Erynn Migaj, and Investigator Christopher Martello, under the supervision of Deputy Inspector General Jeffrey Hagen, Chief of Investigations Martin Stanford, and Attorney-in-Charge of Welfare Matters Andrew Weiss.
Lang also commended the Erie County Department of Social Services for its prompt referral and cooperation, as well as DA Keane and his office for their diligent prosecution of the case.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

At least 15 arrested in NYC anti-ICE protest as thousands take to the street
At least 15 arrested in NYC anti-ICE protest as thousands take to the street

New York Post

time28 minutes ago

  • New York Post

At least 15 arrested in NYC anti-ICE protest as thousands take to the street

At least 15 people were arrested at a massive anti-ICE protest in lower Manhattan Tuesday where shrieking, sign-holding demonstrators flooded the streets. Thousands of angry New Yorkers took to the streets outside Foley Square in the shadow of City Hall to protest the Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportations ongoing in the city and throughout the country. Thousands of angry New Yorkers took to the streets outside Foley Square to protest ICE deportations, leading to at least 15 arrests. AFP via Getty Images Picketers carried placards reading 'Abolish ICE' and 'ICE out of New York!' and chanted phrases such as, 'Brick by brick, wall by wall, this racist system has got to fall!' At least 15 demonstrators were taken into custody by the NYPD near Broadway and Duane Street for obstructing traffic and not complying with orders to disperse, according to police sources. Notable speakers at the protest included Brooklyn Councilwoman Shahana Hanif and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.

Police under federal investigation for response to beach chaos
Police under federal investigation for response to beach chaos

Yahoo

time29 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Police under federal investigation for response to beach chaos

Federal officials are investigating the Nassau County Police Department after officers used a helicopter to try and disperse a group of around 500 teens who were on Jones Beach for "Senior Cut Day." Around 500 teens went to Jones Beach in Wantagh, New York, on Thursday after a flyer was spread on social media promoting "Senior Cut Day," prompting the massive turnout. Witnesses told News 12 that the beach quickly spiraled out of control once the teenagers arrived. A Nassau County Police Department helicopter was seen hovering over the large group of teens, lifting sand into the air as a result. A spokesperson for the Federal Aviation Administration told Fox News Digital that the agency is investigating the Nassau County Police Department's use of a helicopter in this situation. Hundreds Of Teenagers Transform Peaceful Beach Into Chaos As Police Forced To Break Up Fights "The FAA is investigating the incident," the spokesperson said. "Minimum altitudes for all aircraft (including helicopters) are listed in § 91.119. The rule requires that (except when necessary for takeoff or landing) no pilot may operate an aircraft below an altitude where, if the engine fails, an emergency landing cannot be made without creating an undue hazard to people or property on the surface. The rule applies whether the aircraft is operated as a civil aircraft or a public aircraft (i.e. military, law enforcement, etc.)." Read On The Fox News App The rule states that helicopters can't fly under 1,000 feet "above the highest obstacle." Dozens Arrested After Memorial Day Violence Rocks Jersey Shore Boardwalk Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman told Fox News Digital that the police's actions saved others from getting hurt. "We are confident that the actions taken by the NCPD aviation helicopter were instrumental in dispersing a large crowd of individuals who were engaged in fighting and other disruptive behaviors, thereby saving our kids from getting hurt." Police and other officials restricted access to areas of the beach to stop any continued violence on Thursday. No injuries were reported. Officials allegedly saw multiple fights between the large group of teens. "The beach was never like this," said one person who saw the mass gathering of teenagers. "We came here as kids — it was so calm. But now it's just crazy."Original article source: Police under federal investigation for response to beach chaos

Sean 'Diddy' Combs' eerie favorite TV show revealed at trial
Sean 'Diddy' Combs' eerie favorite TV show revealed at trial

Yahoo

time33 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Sean 'Diddy' Combs' eerie favorite TV show revealed at trial

An alleged victim of Sean "Diddy" Combs is revealing the embattled mogul's favorite TV show is a true-crime franchise. Combs' ex-girlfriend "Jane," testifying under a pseudonym in Combs' federal sex-crimes trial, shared in court Tuesday, June 10, the eerie TV show Combs allegedly counts as his favorite. Under cross-examination, Jane said that she "endured" nights in hotels with escorts because she wanted to spend time with Combs – bathing him, rubbing his feet, cuddling with him and watching his favorite TV show, "Dateline," until he fell asleep. "I felt loved by him because we experienced these things together," Jane said on the stand. Diddy trial live updates: Jane was jealous over Yung Miami relationship, said 'I'm not Cassie' USA TODAY reached out to reps for "Dateline" for comment. When questioned by Combs' lawyer Teny Geragos, Jane also testified that she still loves Combs to this day. Combs, 55, was arrested in September and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty. "Dateline" features main host Lester Holt, the former host of "NBC Nightly News," and correspondents Andrea Canning, Josh Mankiewicz, Blayne Alexander, Keith Morrison and Dennis Murphy. The show also features Kate Snow, Craig Melvin and Meredith Vieira. The popular show also streams on Peacock. A centerpiece of "Dateline" programming is highlighting injustices and crimes perpetrated by men against women, which Morris discussed during a 2021 USA TODAY interview. Discover WITNESS: Access our exclusive collection of true crime stories, podcasts, videos and more "Dateline" mainstay Morrison believes more women tune in to "Dateline" so they can "know the lay of the land when it comes to interpersonal crime." Celebrities tell all about aging, marriage and Beyoncé in these 10 bingeable memoirs "That lays open what I think 'Dateline' has exposed over the years, which is one of the worst epidemics we have: the epidemic of spousal abuse, of women being harmed by men. And I hate to say it, but that's really the basis of so much of the crime that occurs," Morrison said. Holt also told USA TODAY that the show's stories are "relatable" because "you realize that people that do bad things could be across the street from you, their kids could go to school with yours." "A lot of the people in these stories were good people, up until the moment they weren't, or they were living normal lives like ours and then one day they became a victim of something really horrible," Holt said. Contributing: Anika Reed This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Diddy trial: 'Dateline' is Sean Combs' favorite, Jane claims

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store