Philadelphia Woman Charged With Stealing Dead Husband's Retirement Benefits

PHILADELPHIA - Shirley Goldwire, 68, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was charged by information with two counts of theft of government funds, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.  According to the information, the defendant received retirement benefits intended for her husband, after her husband’s death in July 1998 until the defendant’s fraud was discovered in 2012.  Additionally, the defendant is alleged to have also stolen money intended for a friend of her ex-husband, who was also deceased at the time of the defendant’s husband’s death.  The defendant’s alleged actions resulted in a loss to the government of approximately $264,021.        

If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison, a three‑year period of supervised release, restitution to the government of $264,021, a $500,000 fine, and a $200 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 Amanda R. Reinitz.

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