A Smyrna woman was sentenced to 18 months in prison for defrauding the US Social Security Administration (SSA) of more than $175,000. Deborah Vaughn, 63, spent over a decade collecting fraudulent Social Security funds intended for her deceased mother-in-law.
According to court documents, Vaughn fraudulently accessed and withdrew money from a bank account belonging to her mother-in-law, who had died in 2006. Each month for twelve years, the SSA deposited approximately $1,100 into the account. Vaughn, who was a joint-user on the bank account, repeatedly lied to the SSA when they contacted her in 2013 and again in 2018, pretending to be her deceased mother-in-law to ensure that the Social Security deposits would continue.
David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, commented on the sentence: 'By defrauding the government, Vaughn's conduct subverted the purpose of the SSA: to provide a safety net for vulnerable individuals in our society. The Court's sentence reflects the seriousness of fraud against the government and should serve as a warning to those inclined to lie and cheat to obtain Social Security payments they do not deserve.'
'I want to thank the U.S. Attorney's Office for its support in bringing this individual to justice and recovering funds for Social Security,' said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration. 'We will continue to work closely with SSA and other agencies to identify beneficiary deaths and pursue those who misuse those payments after someone dies.'
SSA's Office of the Inspector General investigated this case; Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Howland prosecuted it.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Criminal Action No. 19-cr-63-MN.
**MANDATORY FACTS**
**Defendant/Respondent:** Deborah Vaughn
**Criminal Charges:** Defrauding the US Social Security Administration
**City and State:** Wilmington, Delware
**Exact Date:** Not specified
**Sentence or Outcome:** 18 months in prison
**Dollar Amounts:** $175,000