Teresa M. Carrington, Theft of Public Funds, Massachusetts 2023

A Lynn woman has been sentenced for stealing over $50,000 in Social Security benefits intended for her deceased mother.

Teresa M. Carrington, 66, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to five years of probation. Carrington was also ordered to pay restitution to the Social Security Administration (SSA) in the amount of $50,210.

Carrington pleaded guilty on May 31, 2023, to one count of theft of public funds. The crime occurred from June 2016 through January 2020, during which time Carrington stole at least $50,210 in Retirement Insurance Benefits (RIS) paid to her deceased mother.

The SSA continued to issue these benefits to Carrington's mother even after her death in May 2016, due to a failure to report the death. Carrington then wrote monthly checks on her deceased mother's bank account, each of which was made payable to her and fraudulently endorsed with her mother's forged signature.

Carrington used the stolen funds to pay bills and other personal expenses. The Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division, along with the United States Attorney's Office, investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case. The outcome of the case serves as a reminder of the importance of reporting the death of a beneficiary to the SSA to prevent similar instances of theft.

According to the investigation, Carrington's actions were a clear abuse of the Social Security system. The SSA plays a vital role in providing financial support to eligible individuals, and it is essential that those benefits are distributed correctly and securely.

With the outcome of this case, the SSA and the Department of Justice have sent a strong message that such actions will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

The case underscores the need for vigilance and cooperation between government agencies and the public to prevent and detect fraudulent activity.

Teresa M. Carrington, Defendant, Crime: Theft of Public Funds, City: Boston, State: Massachusetts, Date: May 31, 2023, Sentence: Five years of probation and restitution in the amount of $50,210.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/lynn-woman-sentenced-stealing-social-security-benefits-intended-her-deceased-mother