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Dead Woman’s Benefits Stolen for 17 Years: Delaney Indicted
BOSTON – A brazen scheme to siphon off government funds has landed a former Lunenburg resident in hot water. Sue E. Delaney, 68, was arrested today in Wisconsin and now faces federal charges for allegedly stealing Social Security benefits from a woman who had been dead for nearly two decades.
Delaney was charged by indictment with one count of conspiracy and one count of theft of public funds. She made her initial appearance in the Western District of Wisconsin today and was released under court-ordered conditions, details of which were not immediately available. The indictment paints a picture of systematic theft, stretching back to 1999.
According to federal prosecutors, Delaney’s mother-in-law was receiving monthly Social Security benefits when she passed away in 1999. Instead of notifying the Social Security Administration, Delaney allegedly continued to receive the payments, depositing them into the deceased woman’s bank account. For 17 years, from November 1999 through March 2017, Delaney is accused of pilfering a staggering $221,656 in benefits.
The stakes are high for Delaney. The conspiracy charge carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a hefty fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss resulting from the scheme – whichever is greater. The theft of public funds charge is even more severe, with a maximum penalty of ten years imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and the same substantial fine structure.
“These charges represent a serious breach of trust and a callous disregard for the integrity of the Social Security system,” stated a source close to the investigation. “The Department of Justice will continue to aggressively pursue those who attempt to defraud taxpayers and exploit public resources.” The sentencing will ultimately be determined by a federal district court judge, taking into account U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Tonya Perkins, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division, jointly announced the indictment. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit. This is a developing story and Grimy Times will continue to provide updates as they become available.
RELATED: Dead Woman’s Benefits Stolen for 32 Years: Poway Man Jailed
Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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