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Leominster Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing Over $300,000 in Social Security and Veterans Benefits
BOSTON – In a shocking case of public corruption, Joyce Progin, 71, of Leominster, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Worcester to stealing Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.
Progin was arrested and charged in January 2018 and was sentenced to two counts of theft of public funds. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman scheduled sentencing for November 2, 2018.
According to investigators, Progin’s former father-in-law passed away in November 2009, and his benefits continued to be deposited into a joint bank account he held with Progin. Despite knowing she was not entitled to the money, Progin received approximately $55,267 in Social Security benefits and $269,978 in Veterans Affairs benefits from November 2009 through November 2017.
Over the course of nearly eight years, Progin stole a total of over $300,000 in public funds. The charge of theft of public funds carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater.
The case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the Social Security Administration and the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Veterans Affairs. United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling, Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General, and Sean Smith, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of Inspector General, made the announcement today.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki prosecuted the case. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 2, 2018.
Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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