Woman Sentenced For Stealing Dead Father's Social Security Benefits

PHILADELPHIA - Sophia Beltz, 55, of Philadelphia, PA was sentenced today to nine months in prison for the theft of $172,133 in government funds.  Beltz stole Social Security Administration Retirement Insurance Benefits intended for her father who had died in February 1997.  Beltz carried out her fraud scheme until it was discovered in August 2012.  She pleaded guilty on April 30, 2013.  U.S. District Court Judge Legrome D. Davis noted that Beltz collected the funds every month for over 15 years which amounted to approximately 180 fraudulently collected checks.  

In addition to the prison term, Beltz must pay restitution to the Social Security Administration in the amount of $172,133 and she must serve three years of supervised release following her prison term.

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

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