Burlington, New Jersey, Woman Admits To Stealing More Than $150,000 In Social Security Benefits For Her Deceased Mother

CAMDEN, N.J. - A Burlington, New Jersey, woman admitted today to stealing more than $150,000 in Social Security benefits that were paid to an account in her deceased mother’s name, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

Jean Marshall, 69, pleaded guilty before Senior U.S. District Judge Joseph E. Irenas in Camden federal court to an information charging her with one count of theft of government funds.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court.

Marshall’s mother was entitled to Survivor’s Benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Her mother’s benefits were paid by direct deposit into her bank account, which she held jointly with Marshall.

Marshall admitted that she failed to notify the SSA of her mother’s death in May 2003. As a result, SSA continued to make payments into their joint account. From May 2003 through May 2013, Marshall accessed her deceased mother’s bank account in order to make personal use of the Social Security funds. Altogether, Marshall obtained $151, 789 in benefits to which she was not entitled.

The charge to which Marshall pleaded guilty carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 9, 2015.

U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Inspector General Patrick P. O’Carroll Jr., with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin C. Danilewitz of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden.

Defense counsel:  Christopher O’Malley Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Camden