A 64-year-old Buffalo man has been sentenced for stealing over $160,000 in social security benefits from his deceased father.
BUFFALO, N.Y.– U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Joseph Packer, Jr., 64, of Buffalo, N.Y., who was convicted of theft of public money, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny, to time served and two years supervised release. The defendant was ordered to wear and ankle bracelet for eight months and pay restitution in the amount of $160,101.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie P. Grisanti, Packer failed to notify the Social Security Administration of his father’s death in 2000. As a result, social security checks continued to be issued for the defendant’s father until 2012. The benefits were deposited into a joint savings account shared by Packer and his father. The defendant withdrew the money and spent it.
The theft of $160,101 in social security benefits is a serious crime that undermines the trust in our social security system. We will continue to hold individuals accountable for their actions.
The plea was the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Social Security Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Edward J. Ryan, Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General.
Packer’s sentence is a reminder that stealing public money will not be tolerated. We hope that this sentence will serve as a deterrent to others who may be tempted to engage in similar behavior.
In addition to his sentence, Packer will also have to pay restitution in the amount of $160,101. This will help to make the victims of his crime whole again.
The investigation was conducted by the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General. We appreciate their hard work and dedication to uncovering this crime.
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- Americare Inc., Wage Theft, New York 2014 · Washington
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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