In a recent case of Social Security fraud, a Tijuana woman has been sentenced to 12 months in prison for stealing her deceased mother’s benefits for 13 years. Kimberly Kay Brandt, a 51-year-old US citizen living in Tijuana, concealed her mother’s death from the Social Security Administration and continued to withdraw the retirement benefits intended for her. Brandt pleaded guilty to the charges and was ordered to pay over $268,000 in restitution. This case highlights the seriousness of Social Security fraud and the consequences individuals may face for such actions.
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Summary of the Case
Kimberly Kay Brandt sentenced to 12 months for Social Security fraud
Kimberly Kay Brandt, a 51-year-old U.S. citizen living in Tijuana, has been sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison for concealing her mother’s death from the Social Security Administration (SSA) for 13 years. Brandt pleaded guilty to Social Security fraud in August 2023. She stole over $268,000 in retirement benefits intended for her deceased mother by continuing to use her mother’s bank card after her death.
Background of the case
Brandt’s mother, identified as H.B. in court records, moved from California to her daughter’s home in Tijuana when her health declined. She passed away in Mexico in June 2010. However, Brandt did not inform the SSA of her mother’s death and instead continued to withdraw the retirement benefits meant for her deceased mother using her mother’s bank card.
Brandt’s guilty plea and plea agreement
In August 2023, Brandt pleaded guilty to Social Security fraud. As part of her plea agreement, she admitted to impersonating her deceased mother in a call to the bank, requesting a new bank card in her mother’s name, and enlisting a third party to bring the new bank card to her in Mexico. Brandt also impersonated her mother again in a call to the bank after the SSA discovered her mother’s death and stopped paying benefits.
Details of Brandt’s mother’s move to Tijuana
Brandt’s mother, H.B., relocated from California to Tijuana due to her declining health. This move prompted her to reside with her daughter, Kimberly Kay Brandt. However, Brandt failed to notify the SSA of her mother’s change in residency and subsequent passing.
Brandt’s continued use of her mother’s bank card
Even after her mother’s death, Brandt continued to access the retirement benefits intended for her mother by using her mother’s bank card to withdraw funds. This ongoing fraud allowed her to receive and utilize the payments meant for her deceased mother for an extended period of time.
Brandt’s impersonation of her mother to update address and request a new bank card
To prolong the deception and maintain access to her mother’s retirement benefits, Brandt impersonated her deceased mother in a call to the bank. In this call, she falsely claimed to be her mother, requesting an address update and a new bank card in her mother’s name. Brandt then arranged for a third party to deliver the new bank card to her in Mexico.
Discovery of Brandt’s fraud by SSA
After an investigation, the SSA discovered the fraud committed by Brandt. Once they became aware of her mother’s death, the SSA ceased the payments of benefits to the deceased person.
Brandt’s arrest and restitution order
Brandt’s arrest took place on June 27, 2023, as she attempted to cross the U.S. border from Mexico. This arrest occurred three weeks after the SSA benefits ceased. As part of her sentencing, Brandt has been ordered to pay $268,143 in restitution to the Social Security Administration to compensate for the funds she fraudulently obtained.
Details of the Sentencing
Length of the prison sentence
Kimberly Kay Brandt has been sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison for her involvement in the Social Security fraud scheme. This substantial prison term reflects the seriousness of her offense and serves as a deterrent for others who might consider engaging in similar fraudulent activities.
Repayment of restitution
As part of her sentence, Brandt has been ordered to pay $268,143 in restitution to the Social Security Administration. This restitution is meant to compensate the government for the funds she unlawfully obtained by concealing her mother’s death and continuing to withdraw her mother’s retirement benefits.
Prosecution by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa J. Sanniti
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa J. Sanniti has been responsible for prosecuting the case against Kimberly Kay Brandt. Her expertise and dedication have ensured a robust legal response to the Social Security fraud committed by Brandt.
Defendant Information
Case number and details
Kimberly Kay Brandt’s case is identified by the number 23cr1484-BAS. This number serves as a unique identifier for her case and is used to track the legal proceedings and associated documentation related to her Social Security fraud charges.
Kimberly Kay Brandt’s age and location
Kimberly Kay Brandt is 51 years old and resides in Tijuana, Mexico. Her location in Tijuana allowed her to conceal her mother’s death and continue the fraudulent activity of receiving and using her deceased mother’s retirement benefits.
Charges and Penalties
Title and section of the Social Security Fraud charges
Kimberly Kay Brandt has been charged with Social Security fraud under Title 42, U.S.C., Section 408(a)(4). This section of the law makes it illegal to knowingly and willfully conceal information about a person’s death for the purpose of obtaining or continuing to receive Social Security benefits.
Maximum penalty for the charges
The maximum penalty for Social Security fraud, as outlined in Title 42, U.S.C., Section 408(a)(4), includes up to five years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. These penalties are designed to deter individuals from engaging in fraudulent activities and to provide appropriate punishment for those who commit Social Security fraud.
Involvement of Social Security Administration
Office of the Inspector General’s role in the case
The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) played a crucial role in detecting and investigating Kimberly Kay Brandt’s Social Security fraud case. The OIG is responsible for ensuring the integrity of the SSA’s programs and operations by detecting and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse.
Contact information for SSA Media Relations Director
For further information about the Social Security fraud case involving Kimberly Kay Brandt, members of the media can contact the SSA Media Relations Director, Kelly Thornton, at (619) 546-9726 or via email at Kelly.Thornton@usdoj.gov.
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Related Content
Press releases of other financial fraud cases in Southern California
In addition to the Social Security fraud case involving Kimberly Kay Brandt, there have been several other notable financial fraud cases in Southern California. Press releases detailing these cases can be accessed on the official website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California.
Contact Information
Address of Southern District of California Main Office
The main office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California is located at the Federal Office Building, 880 Front Street, Room 6293, San Diego, California, 92101-8807.
Contact information for broken links or technical issues
If you encounter any broken links or experience technical issues while accessing the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California website, please email the webmaster at the provided email address: Webmaster.
Report a crime through the Action Center
To report a crime or provide information related to criminal activities, individuals can use the Action Center provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California. The Action Center serves as a platform for reporting crimes and cooperating with law enforcement.
Phone, fax, and TTY numbers for the office
The contact numbers for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California are as follows:
- Phone: (619) 557-5610
- Toll-Free: (800) 544-1106
- Fax: (619) 546-0720
- TTY: (619) 557-3450
Social media and archives information
For the latest updates and news from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California, individuals can follow their social media accounts. Additionally, archived content and press releases are available on their website for reference.
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