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Toni Teresi, 75, Pleads Guilty to Stealing Social Security Benefits
A Sacramento woman is facing serious consequences after admitting to stealing Social Security benefits meant for her deceased mother. Toni Teresi, 75, pleaded guilty to theft of government property, a charge brought by the U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott.
According to court documents, Teresi’s mother received divorced-spouse Social Security benefits following her ex-husband’s death in 1963. The benefits were deposited into a joint bank account held by Teresi and her mother. However, Teresi failed to report her mother’s death to the Social Security Administration in 1987, allowing the agency to continue depositing the benefits into the joint account for 27 years.
During this period, approximately $247,236 was paid to the joint account, which Teresi used for her own benefit. The investigation into the theft was led by the Office of the Inspector General, Social Security Administration, with Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Artuz handling the prosecution.
Teresi is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Morrison C. England Jr. on December 13, 2018. The maximum penalty for the crime is 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. However, the actual sentence will be determined by the court after considering various factors.
The case highlights the importance of reporting changes in circumstances to the Social Security Administration to prevent such thefts. It also underscores the consequences of failing to do so, as Teresi now faces serious penalties for her actions.
The investigation and prosecution of Teresi’s case demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to protecting the integrity of government programs and holding individuals accountable for their actions.
Teresi’s sentence will be determined at a later date, but one thing is clear: she will face the consequences of her actions in court.
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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