Former Lunenburg Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing Social Security Benefits

BOSTON – A former Lunenburg woman pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Worcester to stealing Social Security benefits.   

Sue E. Delaney, 68, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and one count of theft of public funds. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman scheduled sentencing for Aug. 10, 2021.

In 1999, Delaney’s mother-in-law, who was receiving monthly benefits from Social Security, passed away. Delaney failed to inform the Social Security Administration (SSA) of the death, and SSA continued to deposit monthly benefits into a bank account held by Delaney’s mother-in-law. From November 2009 through March 2017, Delaney stole approximately $221,656 in Social Security benefits from her late mother-in-law’s account.

The charge of conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater.  The charge of theft of public funds provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Tonya Perkins, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.