Geraldine Jones, Theft of Government Funds, Pennsylvania 2014

Philadelphia Woman Charged with Theft of Government Funds

A 68-year-old Philadelphia woman has been charged with stealing government funds from the Social Security Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Geraldine Jones, of Philadelphia, was charged by information with one count of theft of government funds, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.

According to the information, Jones received retirement and pension benefits from the Social Security Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs that were intended for a deceased individual, after that individual’s death in May 1999, until her fraud was discovered in early 2014.

The defendant’s alleged actions resulted in a loss to the Social Security Administration of approximately $103,356 and a loss to the Department of Veterans Affairs of approximately $52,442, for a total loss to the government of approximately $155,798.

If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 10 years imprisonment, a three-year period of supervised release, restitution to the government of $155,798, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, and the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Amanda R. Reinitz.

An information is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, Patty Hartman, Media Contact, 215-861-8525.

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