Leah Mathieu, a correction officer with the New York City Department of Correction and a member of the United States Navy Reserve and New York Naval Militia, pled guilty on April 9 to defrauding the Department of Correction by falsely claiming tens of thousands of dollars in military leave pay. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald.
The case highlights concerns about public trust and financial integrity within city agencies. According to authorities, Mathieu used forged documents to collect approximately $80,297.90 in unearned military leave pay between December 2022 and March 2024.
“As admitted, Leah Mathieu used forged documents to collect tens of thousands of dollars in military leave pay she had not earned,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “That money came from New Yorkers’ pockets. New Yorkers expect those who serve them to follow the rules on all pay—regular wages, overtime, leave pay, etc.—and when there is cheating, New Yorkers want justice.”
Acting Commissioner Christopher Ryan said: “Falsifying military leave to obtain City pay is a crime and undermines the service members who rightfully earn those benefits. As charged, this Correction Officer betrayed the trust granted in her by the City and the New York State Naval Militia. I thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York for their continued partnership and commitment to protect City funds.” According to court records, Mathieu repeatedly made false representations and provided forged documentation—including purported military orders—to claim she was on state active duty with the Naval Militia.
Mathieu pled guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison as prescribed by Congress; sentencing will be determined by Judge Buchwald on August 27.
U.S. Attorney Clayton praised investigative work conducted by several agencies including DOI, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Defense Finance and Accounting Service, New York State Department of Military and Naval Affairs, U.S. Customs and Border Protection – New York Field Office as well as special agents from his office’s Public Corruption Unit.
