Philadelphia Woman Charged With Theft Of Government Funds

PHILADELPHIA - Phyllis Ransome, a/k/a “Phyllis Roberts,” 70, of Philadelphia, PA, was charged by Indictment, unsealed yesterday, with nine counts of wire fraud, one count of theft of government funds, and one count of Social Security fraud, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.  According to the Indictment, the defendant received Supplemental Security Income benefits under one Social Security number, while failing to disclose her receipt of widow’s benefits under a second Social Security number, from October 2009 through December 2014.  The defendant’s alleged actions resulted in a loss to the government of approximately $42,108. 

If convicted, the defendant faces a substantial period of incarceration, a three year period of supervised release, restitution of $42,108, a $1,100 special assessment, forfeiture, and a possible million fine.

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