Federal prosecutors allege schemes targeted Social Security programs and involved more than $1.3 million in intended losses
Between Aug. 21 and Sept. 18, the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division and U.S. attorney’s offices in 11 federal districts brought criminal charges against 17 defendants accused of schemes involving more than $1.3 million in intended losses to the federal government.
The enforcement effort was conducted with assistance from the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and other federal investigative agencies.
Federal authorities said the cases are part of a coordinated effort to identify and prosecute individuals suspected of fraudulently obtaining benefits administered by the Social Security Administration.
The charges are allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
NOTABLE CASES OF DEFENDANTS ACCUSED OF STEALING SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS
In one of the most unusual cases, Eva Bratcher was indicted in the Northern District of Illinois for allegedly concealing her mother’s body in a freezer in her garage for two years while assuming her identity and collecting her Social Security and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
Prosecutors allege Bratcher also used another Social Security number to obtain additional SNAP benefits. The alleged intended loss totaled $21,402. She faces charges including theft of government property and Social Security fraud.
In the Northern District of New York, David Darling was indicted for allegedly stealing $109,746 in Social Security benefits paid to his deceased brother. Prosecutors said Darling controlled his brother’s ATM card and began withdrawing money the day after his brother died.
Because the Social Security Administration was unaware of the death, benefits continued to be deposited into the account. Darling faces charges including access device fraud, theft of government property, and aggravated identity theft.
In Pennsylvania, Debra Reed was indicted for allegedly stealing $59,070 in Social Security retirement benefits deposited into her father’s account after his death in November 2020.
Prosecutors allege that through October 2023, Reed either took the money herself or had her daughter withdraw it and transfer it to her. Reed is charged with theft of government property.
Federal prosecutors in Michigan also charged Laura Whisenant, who served as representative payee for her elderly uncle, who had a mental disability.
Authorities allege Whisenant stole or misused nearly $122,000 in Social Security benefits over seven years while her uncle lived in a home without running water, electricity or heat. She faces a Social Security representative payee fraud charge.
In another Michigan case, Keshaune Pace, also known as Keshaune Jenkins, is accused of improperly collecting approximately $30,000 in Supplemental Security Income benefits intended for her minor son after he was no longer in her custody.
Prosecutors allege Pace lied to the Social Security Administration about her son’s living arrangements and arranged for another person to impersonate him during an agency review.
Authorities allege about $6,000 should have been used for her son and another $24,000 should not have been paid at all. Pace faces charges of theft of government property and Social Security representative payee fraud.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.