Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Denise Nelson, 56, of Buffalo, pleaded guilty yesterday morning before Erie County Court Judge Sheila A. DiTullio to one count of Attempted Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (Class “E” felony).
Between May 19, 2022, and February 5, 2024, the defendant, while working as an employee of the Erie County Department of Social Service’s HEAP Office, fraudulently used the accounts of five individuals to obtain Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) emergency benefits to pay her overdue utility bills. The crime was uncovered during an internal audit and the defendant was subsequently terminated from her position. As a condition of the plea, the defendant paid the total full restitution amount of $4,917.00 to the utility providers and the Erie County Department of Social Services.
“This program is reserved for low-income individuals and families who truly need help paying for their home utilities. I want to thank the Office 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,” said Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane.
“As a public employee, Ms. Nelson was entrusted with administering essential services to those in need,” said New York State Welfare Inspector General Lucy Lang. “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.”
Nelson faces a maximum of four years in prison when she is sentenced on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. She was released on her own recognizance.
DA Keane commends the New York State Inspector General’s Office and the Erie County Department of Social Services HEAP Office for their work on this case.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Norvella C. Pendergrass of the Special Investigations and Prosecutions Bureau.