Bucks Woman Charged with Social Security Fraud Scam

A Newtown woman is accused of cheating the system out of nearly $60,000 in Social Security benefits, authorities said.

Dorothy Madison, 51, allegedly failed to report her marriage to the Social Security Administration in 2002, despite being married to a gainfully employed husband.

As a result, Madison is accused of receiving $58,901.96 in benefits over a 10-year period, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

The case is the result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration, which led to a Criminal Information being filed against Madison on July 8, 2015.

Madison’s husband was employed, and her failure to report the resulting spousal income to the Social Security Administration meant she received money she was not entitled to.

The government has filed a plea agreement, which is subject to the approval of the court. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Hobart.

The maximum penalty under federal law for the alleged crime is five years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine.

Madison is presumed innocent until found guilty in court. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

The judge will consider a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs.

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