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A Shirley, Massachusetts woman pleaded guilty on Wednesday in federal court in Boston to stealing Social Security benefits.
Shirley Daley, 84, pleaded guilty to one count of theft of public funds. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for May 6, 2020. Daley was charged in April 2019.
From June 2005 through December 2017, Daley received Spouse’s/Widow’s Benefits from Social Security using one name and Social Security number, while also receiving Retirement Benefits using a different name and a different Social Security number. When she applied for Retirement Benefits, Daley told the Social Security Administration that she had never been married and that she had never filed for benefits. In fact, Daley had been married and she had been receiving Spouse’s/Widow’s Benefits for four years. From June 2005 through December 2017, Daley stole approximately $319,076 in Social Security benefits.
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 Scott Antolik, 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 prosecuted the case.
