Buffalo Woman Sentenced for Stealing Social Security Benefits
A 63-year-old Buffalo woman has been sentenced for stealing $235,160 in social security benefits. Aramenta Lee was convicted of theft of social security retirement benefits in a case that spanned over 12 years.
According to court documents, Lee failed to notify the Social Security Administration of her father’s death in 2002. As a result, social security checks continued to be issued and deposited into a savings account in the name of the defendant’s father. As Power of Attorney, Lee had access to the account.
Between July 13, 2002 and January 2, 2015, the defendant stole a total of $235,160 in social security benefits. The Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, conducted an investigation into the matter under the direction of Special Agent in Charge John Grasso.
U.S. District Court Judge Frank P. Geraci sentenced Lee to five years probation with six months of home confinement. Lee was also ordered to pay $235,160 in restitution to the Social Security Administration.
The case is a stark reminder of the importance of reporting changes in circumstances to the Social Security Administration. Lee’s failure to do so resulted in a significant loss of taxpayer dollars.
Aramenta Lee’s real full name is her actual name. Her exact criminal charge is theft of social security retirement benefits. The city and state where the crime took place is Buffalo, New York. The exact date of the crime is between July 13, 2002 and January 2, 2015. Lee’s sentence is five years probation with six months home confinement, and she must pay $235,160 in restitution.
Lee’s case will serve as a warning to others who might consider engaging in similar behavior. The Social Security Administration and the Office of the Inspector General will continue to investigate and prosecute cases of social security benefits theft.
Related Federal Cases
- Robert Crisologo Bobadilla Baez, Social Security Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft, Massachusetts 2019 · Puerto Rico
- Stacie Saunders, Deed Theft, New York NY, 2023 · New York
- Stacie Saunders, Deed Theft, New York 2023 · New York
- Americare Inc., Wage Theft, New York 2014 · Washington
- United Parcel Service, Inc. Accused of Wage Theft, New York NY, 2023 · New Jersey
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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