U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo has announced that Wendy Stone, a 63-year-old resident of Rochester, New York, has been sentenced to 12 months in prison for her involvement in defrauding the Social Security system. The sentencing was handed down by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani provided details of the case, stating that in December 2022, Victim 1, who was receiving benefits under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program, passed away at their residence in Rochester. After discovering the body days later and being aware of Victim 1’s SSI benefits, Stone chose not to report the death to authorities. Instead, she used Victim 1’s debit card to access and spend funds from SSI deposits made into Victim 1’s account.
To further this fraudulent scheme, Stone used Victim 1’s social security number to activate a new debit card under Victim 1’s name. In an attempt to conceal the death and continue receiving benefits meant for Victim 1, Stone moved the deceased’s body into the basement of their residence. She wrapped it in plastic and placed it inside a recycling bin while periodically pouring bleach on it. The corpse remained hidden there from December 2022 until September 2023.
Between January and September of 2023, Stone collected $7,902 from SSI Program benefits intended for Victim 1. Additionally, on February 6th of that year, she falsely recertified SNAP benefits by claiming that Victim 1 still lived with her which resulted in an additional $1,072 in SNAP benefits being improperly received.
The investigation leading to this sentencing was conducted by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General led by Special Agent-in-Charge Amy Connelly along with assistance from Chief David Smith and members of the Rochester Police Department.
