RAY BROOK — A staff member at Adirondack Correctional Facility has pleaded guilty to a felony after submitting 28 forged doctors’ notes to the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision in an effort to extend her sick leave and recieve benefits.

New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang announced Monday that Kathleen Baeder of Essex County pled guilty to Attempted Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, a felony. Baeder was sentenced to 5 years probation and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $4,593 by New York State Supreme Court Justice Richard Meyer.

This investigation, conducted in conjunction with New York State Police and the DOCCS Office of Special Investigations, uncovered that from approximately Oct. 21, 2021 to Feb. 2, 2022, Baeder, a civilian employee at Adirondack Correctional Facility, submitted 28 forged doctors’ notes to DOCCS. Her submission of these forged notes resulted in Baeder fraudulently extending her sick leave over a four-month period and thus receiving over $4,500 in benefits to which she was not entitled.

“This case serves as an important reminder of why we build strong partnerships with law enforcement and state agencies,” said New York state Inspector General Lucy Lang. “The work and swift communication between the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, New York State Police, and the Offices of the Inspector General, led to the apprehension and prosecution of a state employee abusing workplace benefits and violating the public trust.”

“Any Individual who violates the public’s trust by engaging in criminal activity, will be aggressively pursued and referred for criminal prosecution,” said DOCCS Acting Commissioner Daniel J. Martuscello III. “Illegal action such as this negatively impacts the hard working staff who perform their duties in a professional manner, often under difficult circumstances, to achieve the mission of the Department and provide public safety for the state. DOCCS appreciates the cooperation of the various agencies that resulted in the criminal prosecution of this former employee.”

The matter was handled by Bryan Richmond, attorney-in-charge for Workers’ Compensation Fraud for the State Inspector General.

Lang thanked the Essex County District Attorney’s Office for prosecuting the matter.

Those who suspect benefit fraud is or has taken place can file a complaint on ig.ny.gov or by calling 1 -800-DO-RIGHT.