ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) - An Elmira woman was sentenced after being paid to care for an elderly worker's compensation request, but never showed up for work.

According to the New York State Inspector General's Office, 45 year old Denise Lewis of Elmira pleaded guilty back in May to insurance fraud. At that time Lewis paid $6,600 in restitution.

Between October 2017 and July 2019, Lewis submitted more than 20 fraudulent timesheets to a third-party claims administrator for payment. She was paid over $6,000 for more than 400 hours not worked.

Lewis worked for a now-deceased elderly and disabled workers' compensation recipient at her Chemung County home. She claimed to have provided health care services to the person.

However, an investigation confirmed she was never at the person's home during these times.

The judge sentenced Lewis was sentenced to a three year conditional discharge.

"In order to fulfill its vital purpose, the Workers' Compensation system requires the honesty of all," said Inspector General Lang. "We will continue to vigorously investigate and root out fraud to protect the system for vulnerable New Yorkers who rely on all its benefits."