Charlton Woman Charged with Bank Fraud

BOSTON – A Charlton woman was arrested today for scheming to fraudulently obtain Social Security benefits and pension payments.

Gina M. Cummings, 60, was charged with one count of bank fraud. Cummings was released on conditions following an initial appearance today before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Jennifer C. Boal.

According to the charging documents, from January 2020 through July 2025, Cummings fraudulently obtained approximately $111,853 in Social Security benefits, private pension payments and COVID Economic Impact Payments. Cummings is alleged to have had access to the checkbook of a Social Security beneficiary and pensioner who died in August 2019. She allegedly failed to report the beneficiary’s death to the Social Security Administration, the pension plan, or the bank where the funds were deposited. Instead, Cummings allegedly accessed the improperly paid funds by forging the deceased beneficiary’s name on 84 checks and regularly depleted the account funds through recurring bill payments.

The charge of bank fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.