Deborah Rossoni, Social Security Benefits Theft, California 2012

California Woman Stole $87,000 in Social Security Benefits

FRESNO, Calif. – Deborah Rossoni, 58, of Lemoore, California, pleaded guilty to stealing $87,000 in Social Security payments and agreed to pay full restitution to the Social Security Administration, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, in July 2012, Rossoni’s father passed away, but the SSA was not notified of his death and continued direct depositing Social Security payments into his bank account until July 2018. During this time, Rossoni transferred the payments into her own bank accounts and then used the money for personal expenditures, including credit card bills and house repairs.

This case is the product of an investigation by the SSA Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton is prosecuting the case.

Rossoni is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd on February 14, 2022. She faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account several variables.

Rossoni’s actions resulted in the theft of $87,000 in Social Security benefits, which she transferred into her own bank accounts and used for personal expenses. This case highlights the importance of reporting the death of a beneficiary to the SSA to prevent such thefts.

The Social Security Administration relies on the public to report any suspicious activity or changes in a beneficiary’s status. If you suspect someone of committing Social Security benefit theft, you can report it to the SSA Office of Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online at https://oig.ssa.gov/report.

Rossoni’s case is a reminder that Social Security benefit theft is a serious crime that can have severe consequences. It is essential to report any suspicious activity to prevent such thefts and protect the integrity of the Social Security program.

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