New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
A former Lunenburg woman was arrested yesterday in Wisconsin for stealing Social Security benefits.
Sue E. Delaney, 68, was charged by indictment on one count of conspiracy and one count of theft of public funds. Delaney made an initial appearance in the Western District of Wisconsin today and was released on conditions.
As alleged in the indictment, Delaney’s mother-in-law, who was receiving monthly benefits from Social Security, died in 1999. Delaney failed to inform Social Security of the death, and Social Security continued to deposit monthly benefits into a bank account held by Delaney’s mother-in-law. From November 2009 through March 2017, Delaney stole approximately $221,656 in Social Security benefits from her dead mother-in-law’s account.
The charge of conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of theft of public funds provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Tonya Perkins, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
