Westminster Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing Social Security Benefits
BOSTON – A Westminster woman stole Social Security benefits from a beneficiary she was entrusted to manage the funds for.
Theresa Kenda Benedict, 55, pleaded guilty in federal court in Worcester to one count of theft of public funds and four counts of making false statements.
According to the government, Benedict served as the representative payee for an individual who was receiving Social Security benefits. Between December 2007 and March 2016, she stole approximately $46,310 in Social Security benefits.
Theresa Kenda Benedict was arrested and charged in June 2018.
Theresa Kenda Benedict is scheduled to be sentenced on August 14, 2019.
The charge of theft of public funds provides for a sentence of no greater than 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. The charges of making false statements each provide for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News