A Syracuse resident, Michael Glinski, has been sentenced to five years’ probation and ordered to pay back nearly $22,000 after being convicted of stealing pension payments intended for his deceased mother. The sentencing follows an investigation led by the New York State Comptroller’s office.
State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli said, “Michael Glinski concealed his mother’s death to defraud our pension system. We will continue our work to track down and bring to justice those who try to defraud the pension system which our retired public employees and their beneficiaries rely upon,” DiNapoli said. “My thanks to DA Fitzpatrick and Superintendent James for their partnership in holding the defendant accountable.”
Onondaga County District Attorney William J. Fitzpatrick commented on the importance of protecting state resources: “The state pension system provides vital benefits to our hardworking state and municipal employees and their families. Mr. Glinski has violated the integrity of this system, and he must now suffer the consequences with a conviction and the requirement that he reimburse the pension system for his theft in full.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James also addressed the case: “Theft from the state pension system is not a victimless crime — it erodes trust in programs designed to support those who served our communities with integrity. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the Comptroller’s Office, the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, and the State Police, Mr. Glinski has been held accountable for his actions. Our partnership remains strong and committed to uncovering fraud and protecting the benefits earned by hardworking New Yorkers and their families.”
According to investigators, Glinski’s mother had received monthly retirement checks after leaving her position as a clerk with the Village of Solvay Police Department in 2014, as well as her late husband’s pension since 2019. After her death in October 2021, both payments should have ended; however, Glinski did not report her passing. The New York State and Local Retirement System identified her death in July 2022, stopped payments, and initiated an investigation.
Authorities found that between October 2021 and July 2022, Glinski deposited 17 checks totaling $21,946.36 into his personal account by endorsing them using a power of attorney that was no longer valid after his mother died.
Glinski pleaded guilty in May to grand larceny in the third degree before Judge Mary Anne Doherty at Onondaga County Court.
Comptroller DiNapoli emphasized ongoing efforts against public corruption since taking office in 2007. He encourages citizens to report suspected fraud involving taxpayer money via phone at 1-888-672-4555 or through mail or email complaints directed at his office.
