Authorities have charged Stephen and Kelly Tuomey of Tannersville with fraudulently collecting over $35,000 in pension benefits intended for Stephen Tuomey’s deceased father. The pension recipient passed away in March 2020, but investigators allege the couple failed to report the death and continued receiving payments for more than two years.
Stephen Tuomey, who serves as the village’s fire chief and recently ran for a trustee position, is accused alongside his wife of collecting $30,189.80 through unauthorized electronic deposits, in addition to $5,050.16 via forged checks. Investigators claim that Kelly Tuomey forged her father-in-law’s signature and diverted more than $20,000 into personal and joint accounts, using the funds to settle various debts.
The New York State and Local Retirement System flagged the irregularities in 2022, prompting a joint investigation by the State Comptroller’s Office, New York State Police, and the Greene County District Attorney. Officials characterized the alleged conduct as a serious violation of public trust. The charges against the Tuomeys include grand larceny and forgery, with potential penalties ranging from financial restitution and probation to a maximum prison sentence of seven years.
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