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Cambridge Woman’s Decade-Long Scam Exposed
Phaedra M. Sheets, 45, a Cambridge woman, has pleaded guilty to stealing over $80,000 in Social Security and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from her deceased mother. The scam, which lasted nearly nine years, has left authorities stunned.
According to the investigation, Sheets’ mother received Social Security benefits and SNAP benefits at the time of her death in November 2009. However, her death was never reported to the Social Security Administration (SSA) or the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance. As a result, the agencies continued to pay monthly benefits on her behalf.
When the SSA attempted to contact Sheets’ mother to perform a review of her benefits claim, Sheets posed as her mother and directed SSA to deposit her mother’s benefits into various bank accounts, from which Sheets withdrew the funds. She also impersonated her deceased mother in interactions with the Department of Transitional Assistance and used her mother’s SNAP card to make purchases for nearly nine years after her death.
The total amount stolen from Social Security benefits is approximately $71,636, while the amount stolen from SNAP benefits is approximately $13,923. The combined total of $83,559 is a staggering figure that highlights the severity of Sheets’ crime.
Sheets’ actions have consequences. She faces a sentence of up to 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. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling, Tonya Perkins, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division, and Suzanne M. Bump, State Auditor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Phaedra Sheets’ guilty plea serves as a reminder of the importance of reporting deceased individuals to the relevant authorities to prevent such scams from occurring. The case also highlights the dedication of law enforcement agencies in pursuing justice and holding individuals accountable for their crimes.
Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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