Upper Marlboro Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing Social Security Benefits
Greenbelt, Maryland – A 53-year-old woman from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, has pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $323,000 in Social Security benefits to which she was not entitled.
Sonya Bannister Burford pleaded guilty on May 5, 2021, to the federal charge of theft of government property, for stealing $322,938 in Social Security benefits to which she was not entitled.
According to her guilty plea, Burford’s husband, who was receiving SSA Disability Insurance benefits, died on August 30, 1996. Upon his death, Burford failed to disclose to SSA that he had died and SSA continued to make monthly benefits payments.
Between September 1996 and January 2020, Burford received and spent $322,938 in benefits paid to her husband after his death to which she was not entitled.
As part of her plea agreement, Burford will be required to forfeit and pay restitution in the full amount of the loss, which the parties agree is $322,938. Burford faces a maximum of 10 years in federal prison for theft of government property. U.S. District Judge Peter J. Messitte has scheduled sentencing for August 5, 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner commended the SSA OIG and WMATA OIG for their work in the investigation. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Davio.
Related Federal Cases
- Tony Lynn Thornton, Sr., Theft of Government Property, Beaumont TX,… · Texas
- Marcus Bell, Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl, Maryland 2023 · Maryland
- Mitchell D. Potts, Bribery of a Government Official, Washington D.C… · Virginia
- Kier Hicks Sentenced to 94 Months for Identity Theft, Baltimore MD,… · Washington
- Ex-Con Peddled AR-15 Parts, Maryland, 2023 · Maryland
Key Facts
- State: Maryland
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
