Annmarie Ditoro, Social Security Benefits Theft, New York 2024

A 42-year-old Schenectady woman has been brought to justice after pleading guilty to stealing over $25,000 in Social Security benefits intended for her four disabled children.

Annmarie Ditoro, a resident of Schenectady, New York, admitted to stealing Supplemental Security Income (‘SSI’) benefits and Social Security Survivor’s benefits, according to a statement from United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Amy Connelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, New York Field Office.

Ditoro, who was previously the representative payee for all four of her children, admitted that she failed to inform the Social Security Administration of a change in custody after the Schenectady Department of Social Services removed all four of her children from her custody in July 2022.

Despite knowing she was not entitled to the money, Ditoro spent the benefits for her personal use, according to the statement. The total amount stolen is over $25,000.

Ditoro faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 5 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. She will also be required to pay restitution to the Social Security Administration.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 31, 2025, in Albany, where a judge will impose a sentence based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul J. Tuck.

Related Federal Cases