Colonie woman claims her punishment harsh versus Hevesi, Novello
By Robert Gavin
ALBANY — Convicted welfare cheat Angela Lopez wants to be treated like a state official — specifically like Alan Hevesi or Antonia Novello.
The 38-year-old Colonie woman contends her agreed-upon 2-to-6-year sentence for stealing more than $95,000 in Medicaid, food stamps and other benefits was harsh, excessive and unfair when compared to politically connected defendants in similar circumstances.
On Wednesday, her lawyer asked a five-justice appellate panel to consider a far lighter sentence with no more than six months behind bars. The attorney highlighted non-jail sentences given to Hevesi, the state’s former comptroller, and Novello, the state’s former health commissioner. Hevesi had a state employee chauffeur his wife around, while Novello used state employees as personal servants to water her plants, drive her around and run shopping errands.
Both pleaded guilty to fraudrelated felonies in cases brought by District Attorney David Soares’ office.
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