Official Facebook Account of the New York State Comptroller. Social Media Terms of Participation: 
02/23/2025
State Comptroller DiNapoli is committed to fighting public corruption and encourages the public to report fraud and abuse in state and local governments and the pension system.
Reported cases are investigated by the Comptroller’s team of professional investigators who work with law enforcement to bring corrupt officials to justice and recoup tax dollars.
Danette Benson, an investigator, is a core member of the investigations team. She joined the State Comptroller’s office in 2023 after working as an auditor for the New York State Department of Taxation & Finance and a sworn detective for the Attorney General’s office.
We spoke with Danette about her role and the challenging work of solving financial crimes.
🔵 What do you investigate for the State Comptroller’s office?
I investigate fraud and abuse of taxpayer money within state and local governments. This can include funds associated with pensions, fire departments, towns and villages, Medicaid, vendors who contract with the government, as well as many other entities that receive public funding.
🔵 What interested you about the role of investigator?
I became interested in this position while working as an auditor. When you uncover fraud and play a critical role in promoting the accountability, transparency, and integrity of state and local government, you feel a great sense of accomplishment. Every new case is an exciting challenge for me, often requiring great effort and determination.
🔵 What do you enjoy most about your job?
My job is both challenging and rewarding. I have the privilege of working with a great team to solve financial crimes and assist prosecutors in holding offenders responsible, while simultaneously protecting public resources and maintaining trust in public institutions.
🔵 Is any one day ever alike?
This is another part of my job that I love, no day is ever the same. One day I could be interviewing a subject about theft of funds from a local government in Western New York, and the next, I can be testifying in court or assisting law enforcement with a search warrant in the Capital District.
🔵 Is there a case or moment you are most proud of?
I recently investigated a case where two individuals exploited an elderly man and stole his pension funds while neglecting his basic needs. Our division spearheaded that investigation, and we were able to turn the case over to a prosecutor, which resulted in the arrest of both individuals. This case was particularly rewarding for me since we were able to help an individual who dedicated his life to public service, only to have his hard-earned pension ripped away by the very people entrusted with his care.
🔵 How would you describe the importance of the work you do in protecting taxpayer money?
Protecting taxpayer money is essential to maintaining public trust and ensuring efficient government operations. When someone is not held accountable for stealing or misusing taxpayer funds, it undermines the integrity of public institutions and erodes public trust in government. The misuse of taxpayer funds ultimately affects essential public resources, increases taxes, and harms communities. A lack of accountability can create a culture of unethical behavior, increasing the likelihood of further corruption.
🔵 What advice do you have for someone who is interested in working as an investigator at the State Comptroller’s office?
Being an investigator requires self-motivation, great communication skills, and attention to detail. If you are looking for a career that is both rewarding and impactful, I encourage you to work towards developing these skills and joining our team!
🔵 What does public service mean to you?
Public service to me means dedicating your career to helping the citizens of your community by working to protect their fundamental rights and resources.
Start building a career with purpose! The State Comptroller’s office is hiring for a wide range of open positions, including in our audit divisions. Learn more about our office and apply at osc.ny.gov/jobs.
