A 68-year-old Williamsville woman was found guilty of stealing $176,405 in social security retirement benefits.
Diane Cleversley, a retired social worker, pleaded guilty to one count of theft of social security retirement benefits before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Lamarque, the defendant failed to notify the Social Security Administration of her mother’s death in 2001.
As a result, social security checks continued to be issued and deposited into a joint savings account held by Cleversley and her mother.
The defendant transferred funds from the joint savings account into her own checking account.
Cleversley stole the total sum of $176,405 between July 2001 and February 2017.
The maximum penalty for the charge is 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Office of the Inspector General of the Social Security Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John Grasso.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 2, 2017, at 12:00 pm before Judge Arcara.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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