Binghamton Woman Sentenced for Social Security Fraud

BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK – Patricia L. Williams, age 63, of Binghamton, was sentenced today to 5 years of probation for stealing Social Security benefits deposited into her deceased husband’s bank account and for concealing her receipt of those benefits.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and John F. Grasso, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General, New York Field Division.

A jury voted to convict Williams following a 4-day trial in October 2018.  The evidence demonstrated that the defendant’s husband passed away in 1990, but SSA was never notified of his death.  SSA, believing the defendant’s husband was alive, continued to pay monthly benefits until 2013, which Williams withdrew and spent, knowing she was not entitled to the money.  From 2008 to 2015, the defendant applied for and received Supplemental Security Income (SSI), concealing that she was taking her deceased husband’s benefits.  SSI is a needs-based program, available to elderly, blind, and disabled individuals, that provides money to pay for living expenses.

Senior United States District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy also ordered Williams to pay restitution to the SSA in the amount of $32,581.00.

This case was investigated by the SSA Office of the Inspector General, New York Field Division, and was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason W. White.