Jody Lyons, Theft of Government Property, New York 2021

A Schenectady woman has been brought to justice for her role in a brazen scheme to steal Social Security benefits from her deceased mother.

Jody Lyons, age 53, of Schenectady, New York, has pleaded guilty to stealing the Social Security benefits of her deceased mother for several years after her mother’s death in January 2015.

According to officials, Lyons withdrew and spent Social Security benefits that continued to be deposited into her mother’s bank account until August 2018, when the Social Security Administration (SSA) learned of the death and benefit payments ceased.

Lyons admitted that she withdrew and spent her mother’s Social Security benefits despite knowing what the benefits were, that the benefits were intended for her mother, and that Lyons was not entitled to the money.

The guilty plea was made in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York, with sentencing scheduled for March 5, 2021 before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino.

Lyons faces up to 10 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Additionally, Lyons has agreed to pay $95,961.00 in restitution to the SSA.

This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle.

Defendant: Jody Lyons

Criminal Charges: Theft of Government Property

City and State: Schenectady, New York

Crime Date: January 2015

Sentence: Up to 10 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Lyons has also agreed to pay $95,961.00 in restitution to the SSA.

Dollar Amount: $95,961.00

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/schenectady-woman-pleads-guilty-theft-government-property