Philadelphia Woman Charged With Bilking Social Security And Veterans Affairs

Geraldine Jones, 68, of Philadelphia, was charged by information, filed on May 30, 2014, with one count of theft of government funds, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.  According to the information, the defendant received retirement and pension benefits from the Social Security Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs that were intended for a deceased individual, after that individual’s death in May 1999, until her fraud was discovered in early 2014.  The defendant’s alleged actions resulted in a loss to the Social Security Administration of approximately $103,356 and a loss to the Department of Veterans Affairs of approximately $52,442, for a total loss to the government of approximately $155,798.          

If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 10 years imprisonment, a three-year period of supervised release, restitution to the government of $155,798, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, and the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Amanda R. Reinitz.

Click here to view the indictment

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

UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, EASTERN DISTRICTof PENNSYLVANIA
Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
PATTY HARTMAN, Media Contact, 215-861-8525