Philadelphia Man Charged With Stealing Dead Mother's Benefits

Donald Sheppard, 57, of Philadelphia, PA, was charged today by Information with one count of theft of government funds, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. According to the information, after Sheppard’s mother died in December 2001, Sheppard improperly received and converted to his own use the Retirement and Suvivor’s Insurance (RSI) benefit payments that were intended for her.  He collected these payments from early 2002 until the benefits were suspended in or about March 2005.  

It is further alleged that between May 2003 and August 2012, Sheppard improperly received and converted to his own use the SSI benefits for individual J.B. and, between December 2005 and August 2012, improperly received and converted to his own use the SSI benefits for individual A.M.  Sheppard allegedly defrauded the Social Security Administration of approximately $162,153.85.

If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 10 years imprisonment, a three-year period of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, a $100 special assessment, and the imposition of full restitution.

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration-Office of the Inspector General and Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick J. Murray.

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