Burlington, VT – In a stunning revelation from the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont, 63-year-old Maryann Manning of Wolcott, Vermont, has pleaded guilty to fraudulently converting tens of thousands of dollars in Social Security benefit payments. The total loss to the Social Security Administration (SSA) is a staggering $119,000.
Manning was charged with receiving stolen government money on May 13, 2024, following an investigation by the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General. According to court records, Manning’s brother received disability insurance benefit payments from the SSA, which should have terminated upon his death in October 2015. Instead, Manning collected her brother’s benefits from the SSA by withdrawing money from his accounts.
Yesterday, Manning made her initial appearance in federal court and pleaded guilty to the charge against her. Chief U.S. District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford released her on conditions pending sentencing, which is scheduled at a later date. If convicted, Manning faces up to ten years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.
The actual sentence will be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Stendig represents the government in this case.
Manning is represented by Robert Behrens, Esq. This case serves as a stark reminder of the impact fraudulent activities can have on public coffers and the individuals who rely on these benefits.
Related Federal Cases
- Quebec Crew Hit Vermont ATMs, $88K in Fraud · Vermont
- Arnold Hanson Sentenced in $12M Bank Fraud · New Hampshire
- Wen Ping Chen Gets 12 Months for Credit Card Fraud Ring · Indiana
- New York Couple Cops to H1B Visa Fraud, Forfeits $1M · New York
- Misti Baker Medicaid Fraud · Vermont
Key Facts
- State: Vermont
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption|White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
