Santa Sanabria, Supplemental Security Income Fraud, New York 2017

Gansevoort woman Santa Sanabria, 75, has pleaded guilty to charges of Supplemental Security Income Fraud. Sanabria used two different names and Social Security numbers to collect Social Security benefits under both identities.

As part of her guilty plea, Sanabria admitted that she had applied for and received two Social Security numbers, one in her maiden name, Sanabria, and another in her married name, Cordero. Sanabria admitted that from July 2012 through September 2017, while collecting Social Security benefits under the name Santa Cordero and the Social Security number associated with that name, she also used the Social Security number issued under her maiden name to apply for and collect Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits to which she was not entitled.

Sanabria faces up to 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. Sentencing is scheduled for September 9, 2021, before Senior United States District Judge Lawrence E. Kahn.

A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. Sanabria has agreed to pay full restitution in the amount of $30,510.90.

The case was investigated by the SSA Office of the Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle.

The charges against Sanabria are serious, and her conviction serves as a reminder that Supplemental Security Income Fraud will not be tolerated. The SSA Office of the Inspector General will continue to work tirelessly to investigate and prosecute those who attempt to defraud the system.

Defendant Information:

Defendant’s Full Name: Santa Sanabria, a/k/a Santa Cordero
Criminal Charges: Using two different names and Social Security numbers to collect Social Security benefits under both identities
City and State: Gansevoort, New York
Exact Date: July 2012 through September 2017
Sentence or Outcome: Faces up to 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years
Dollar Amounts: $30,510.90 in restitution

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