Charges Allege Philadelphia Woman Was Illegally Receiving Dead Mother's Benefits

Nancy Gonzalez, 74, of Philadelphia, PA, was charged today by information with one count of theft of Government funds, and one count of social security fraud, announced United States Attorney Zane D. Memeger.  The information alleges that between December 29, 1994 and September 2012, Gonzalez received and converted to her own use survivor's insurance benefits intended for her mother.  The benefits checks that Gonzalez’s mother received were directly deposited into an account jointly held by the defendant and the intended benefits recipient. After her mother died, Gonzalez did not report the death, resulting in fraudulent payments of approximately $155,400.33.

If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 15 years in prison, a $500,000 fine, and three years supervised release.  

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Moshang III.

Click here to view the indictment

UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, EASTERN DISTRICTof PENNSYLVANIA
Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
PATTY HARTMAN, Media Contact, 215-861-8525