Ian Caskie
July 11, 2025
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Erie County District Attorney Michael Keane announced Friday that Denise Nelson, 57, pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining Home Emergency Assistance Program (HEAP) benefits.
Nelson has been plead guilty to one count of attempted grand larceny in the third degree (a Class "E" felony) on April 2. Nelson has paid the full restitution, the DA's office said.
The District Attorney said that from May 19, 2022, to Feb. 5, 2024, Nelson used accounts owned by five unnamed individuals to obtain the emergency funds, totaling $4,917.
"This program is reserved for low-income individuals and families who truly need help paying for their home utilities," the DA said.
The fraud was revealed in an internal audit and Nelson was subsequently terminated.
"Public employees have a public responsibility to uphold the trust placed in them by the people they serve," New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang said in a statement. "By diverting resources meant for vulnerable New Yorkers, Ms. Nelson betrayed the trust and compromised a program designed for those most in need."
