Wendy Stone, SSI Benefits Theft, New York 2023

Rochester Woman Sentenced for Theft of SSI Benefits

In a shocking case of deception, Wendy Stone, 63, of Rochester, NY, has been sentenced to 12 months in prison for defrauding the Social Security system.

The crime, committed in December 2022, involved Stone taking the debit card of Victim 1, who had passed away, and spending Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program money still being deposited into the account for her own benefit.

Stone, aware that Victim 1 had collected SSI Program benefits, chose not to inform authorities of the death and instead activated a new debit card in the name of Victim 1 using the social security number. To conceal the death and continue receiving benefits, Stone moved Victim 1's corpse into the basement of the residence, wrapped it in plastic, and periodically poured bleach on it.

The body remained in the basement from December 2022 to September 2023, while Stone improperly collected $7,902.00 in SSI Program benefits intended for Victim 1. In addition, on February 6, 2023, Stone recertified SNAP benefits, stating that Victim 1 still resided with her. As a result, Stone received an additional $1,072.00 in SNAP benefits that she was not entitled to receive.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and the Rochester Police Department.

Wendy Stone, 63, of Rochester, NY, was convicted of conversion/unlawful conveyance of government money and sentenced to serve 12 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.

Exact Date: December 28, 2022 (death of Victim 1) and February 6, 2023 (recertification of SNAP benefits)

Dollar Amounts: $7,902.00 (improperly collected SSI Program benefits) and $1,072.00 (additional SNAP benefits)

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/rochester-woman-going-prison-defrauding-social-security