Philadelphia Woman Charged With Stealing Dead Father's Benefits

PHILADELPHIA - Michelle Ford, 61, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was charged today by Information with one count of theft of government funds and one count of theft from an employee pension plan, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.  According to the Information, the defendant received Social Security and pension benefits intended for her father, after her father’s death in February 2011 until her fraud was discovered in September 2013.  The defendant’s alleged actions resulted in a loss to the government of approximately $44,186.          

If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, restitution to the government of $44,186, a possible fine, and a $200 special assessment.

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, and the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Amanda R. Reinitz.

An Information is an accusation.  A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.