Philadelphia Man Charged With Stealing Dead Mother's Benefits

PHILADELPHIA - Anthony Cooper, 67, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was charged by information with one count of theft of government funds, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.  According to the information, the defendant received retirement benefits intended for his mother, after his mother’s death in February 1991 until December 2011.  The defendant’s alleged actions resulted in a loss to the government of approximately $69,528.          

If convicted, the defendant faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, restitution to the government of $69,528, a fine, and a $100 special assessment.

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Christopher E. Parisi.

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