Wendy Stone, 63, of Rochester, NY, has been sentenced to 12 months in prison for defrauding the Social Security Administration. Stone was convicted of conversion/unlawful conveyance of government money, and her sentencing is a result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and the Rochester Police Department.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani, Stone’s scheme began in December 2022, when the victim, a recipient of benefits under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program, died at a residence in Rochester. Instead of reporting the death, Stone took the victim’s debit card and spent the SSI Program money still being deposited into the victim’s account for her own benefit.
Stone took it a step further by using the victim’s social security number to activate a new debit card in the victim’s name. To conceal the victim’s death and continue receiving the SSI Program benefits, Stone moved the victim’s corpse into the basement of the residence and wrapped it in plastic, placing it in a recycling bin. She periodically poured bleach on the corpse to prevent decay.
The victim’s corpse remained in the basement from December 2022 to September 2023, during which time Stone improperly collected $7,902.00 in SSI Program benefits intended for the victim. Additionally, Stone recertified SNAP benefits in February 2023, stating that the victim still resided with her, and received an additional $1,072.00 in SNAP benefits that she was not entitled to receive.
U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. handed down the 12-month prison sentence to Stone, who was convicted of conversion/unlawful conveyance of government money. The investigation was led by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Amy Connelly, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith.
The sentencing of Wendy Stone serves as a reminder of the consequences of defrauding government programs. The Social Security Administration and law enforcement agencies are committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who engage in such fraudulent activities. Stone’s case is a prime example of the lengths to which some individuals will go to exploit government programs for personal gain.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced the sentencing, emphasizing the importance of protecting government programs from fraud and abuse. The case against Stone demonstrates the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies to bring perpetrators to justice and ensure that those who engage in fraudulent activities are held accountable.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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