New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and Onondaga County District Attorney William J. Fitzpatrick announced the arrest today of Geddes Account Clerk Shannon Carhart for allegedly pocketing $30,000 in a health care coverage scam.

Carhart, 43, of Syracuse, enrolled in the town’s health insurance after telling officials and falsifying records that she had declined the coverage in order to fraudulently receive $6,000 from the town meant for employees who opted out of health insurance coverage. In addition, Carhart cost the town another $30,000 by failing to pay her actual health insurance premiums and leaving the town to pay the bill.

“Ms. Carhart hoodwinked Geddes town officials and altered reports to cover up her theft,” State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli said. “Thanks to our partnership with Onondaga County District Attorney William J. Fitzpatrick, we were able to reveal her scam. We will continue to work with law enforcement across New York to protect taxpayers’ money.”

“Protecting taxpayer money has been a priority since I first took office. We appreciate our working partnerships with state agencies that help us ferret out fraud and theft," Onondaga County District Attorney William J. Fitzpatrick said. "My office has always had a strong relationship with the New York State Comptroller’s Office. Comptroller DiNapoli continues to be a zealous watchdog for taxpayers and of public money and I look forward to working with him in the years to come.”

Carhart was charged with grand larceny in the third degree, falsifying business records in the first degree and official misconduct. She was arraigned Wednesday. She is currently on paid administrative leave.

Since taking office in 2007, DiNapoli has committed to fighting public corruption and encourages the public to help fight fraud and abuse. New Yorkers can report allegations of fraud involving taxpayer money by calling the toll-free Fraud Hotline at 1-888-672-4555, by filing a complaint online at [email protected], or by mailing a complaint to: Office of the State Comptroller, Division of Investigations, 14th Floor, 110 State St., Albany, NY 12236. Review prior cases at http://www.osc.state.ny.us/investigations.