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NY State Workers Steal Debit Card Info From Disabled Residents, Police Say

Three New York State employees are accused of stealing money from developmentally disabled residents in the Capital Region.

Clockwise from left: Lashea Pettway, Jessie Gabriel, and Christin McGrath.

Clockwise from left: Lashea Pettway, Jessie Gabriel, and Christin McGrath.

Photo Credit: Saratoga County Sheriff's Office

The women, all employees at the Capital District Developmental Disabilities Services Office (DDSO) in Clifton Park, were arrested on suspicion of fraud and larceny-related charges following an investigation by the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday, Jan. 26.

Officials identified the defendants as:

  • Lashea Pettway, 30, of Schenectady
  • Jessie Gabriel, 34, of Schenectady
  • Christin McGrath, 45, of Selkirk

An investigation found that all three women stole debit card information from multiple residents at the Clifton Park facility and used it to buy food, sheriff’s officials said.

Pettway was charged with four counts of grand larceny, all felonies, while Gabriel and McGrath each face charges of grand larceny, petit larceny, and identity theft.

All three were released on appearance tickets while their cases proceed.

Following the arrests, the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) provided this statement to Daily Voice:

"OPWDD takes the financial security of people who receive our services very seriously. Staff receive regular training on how to recognize and report suspicious financial activity. As a result of these internal protocols, OPWDD initially discovered this alleged theft of funds and was able to begin an investigation and make the referral to law enforcement. The employees were immediately placed on administrative leave pending an investigation. As this is an active investigation, we cannot comment further."

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