ELMIRA, NY (WENY) -- An Elmira woman who worked as a home health aide is accused of submitting fraudulent time sheets for work she never did in caring for an elderly Chemung County resident.

Denise Lewis, 45, is charged with Third Degree Grand Larceny, Third Degree Insurance Fraud, three counts of First Degree Falsifying Business Records, and three counts of Fraudulent Practices under Workers Compensation Law penalties.

According to the New York State Inspector General's office, Lewis was hired as a home health aide for an elderly Chemung County woman, who is now deceased. Lewis allegedly submitted more than 20 fraudulent timesheets to a third-party claims administrator for payment, and was paid more than $6,000 for more than 400 hours not worked.

However, surveillance footage and eyewitnesses confirmed Lewis was never present at the woman's home when she claimed she was working there. The alleged fraud happened between October 2017 and July 2019.

“We will not tolerate those who abuse the workers’ compensation system – either through misrepresentation to obtain benefits or failure to provide services to those in need,” said acting Inspector General Robyn Adair. “Thanks to our partners in the Chemung County District Attorney’s Office, this individual will be held accountable for their actions.”

Lewis was arranged in Elmira City Court on the charges.