Troy Woman Sentenced for Stealing SSI Benefits

ALBANY, NEW YORK – In a swift justice move, Jessica Pascale, 35, of Troy, New York, has been sentenced to one-year probation for defrauding the Social Security Administration (SSA) by siphoning off Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits from two disabled individuals.

The deceitful scheme was uncovered through SSA’s internal controls, ensuring that neither of the unsuspecting beneficiaries were aware of the theft. Pascale, who worked as a Social Security claims representative, has been ordered to pay full restitution and faces a $1,000 fine.

Acting United States Attorney Antoinette T. Bacon and John F. Grasso, Special Agent in Charge of the SSA Office of the Inspector General, New York Field Office, announced the sentencing. Pascale pleaded guilty to four felony charges: two counts of theft of government property and two counts of fraud involving identification information.

During her earlier guilty plea, Pascale confessed to diverting two SSI benefit payments totaling an unspecified amount into her personal bank account between July and September 2019. The SSA Office of the Inspector General investigated the case, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle prosecuted it.

This case serves as a stern reminder of the consequences faced by those who exploit government programs intended for the most vulnerable members of society. Pascale’s sentence reflects the severity of her actions and the importance of upholding the integrity of the Social Security system.

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