Binghamton Woman Stole $25K in Social Security Benefits for Minor

Binghamton Woman Stole $25K in Social Security Benefits for Minor

A 59-year-old Binghamton woman was arraigned today on a federal indictment charging her with 38 counts of social security fraud. Loretta Washington, 59, of Binghamton, New York, was brought before a judge to face the allegations of stealing over $25,000 in social security benefits intended for a minor.

According to the indictment, Washington had applied for and was receiving the social security benefits for a minor as her representative-payee. A representative-payee is a person or organization selected by the SSA to receive benefits on behalf of a beneficiary who is unable to manage their payments. Washington is accused of stealing the funds between October 2018 and November 2021.

The charges filed against Washington carry a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to three years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

The Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG) is investigating the case and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Tuck is prosecuting the case. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Washington’s actions have left a trail of financial devastation for the minor who was supposed to receive the benefits. The full extent of the damage is still unknown, but one thing is clear: Washington’s alleged actions were a betrayal of trust and a serious breach of the public’s trust.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance when it comes to social security benefits. The SSA relies on individuals like Washington to act as representative-payees, but the agency must also ensure that these individuals are trustworthy and accountable.

As the investigation continues, one thing is certain: justice will be served. The people of this community demand that those who abuse their position of trust be held accountable, and we will continue to follow this case closely to ensure that justice is indeed served.

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Contact: For more information, please contact the Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG) or Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Tuck.