Philadelphia Woman Charged With Stealing Dead Relative's Benefits

PHILADELPHIA - Martha Stanley, 47, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was charged by indictment, unsealed today, with three counts of wire fraud, one count of theft of government funds, and one count of social security fraud, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.  According to the indictment, the defendant received retirement benefits intended for a deceased relative after her relative’s death in June 2005.  The defendant’s alleged actions resulted in a loss to the government of approximately $102,126.              

If convicted, defendant Martha Stanley faces a statutory maximum sentence of up to 75 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, restitution to the government of $102,126, a possible fine, and a $500 special assessment. 

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Christopher E. Parisi.

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