U.S. Attorney Carla B. Freedman | U.S. Department of Justice
Destiny Brown, a 45-year-old resident of Schenectady, New York, has been indicted on charges of Social Security fraud. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Amy Connelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General for the New York Field Office.
The indictment accuses Brown of misusing Social Security benefits intended for her deceased wife's children. These benefits were applied for and received after the Schenectady County Department of Social Services removed the children from her custody. It is important to note that these charges are accusations, and Brown is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Brown was arraigned in Albany and has been released pending further legal proceedings. If found guilty, she could face up to five years in prison, a fine reaching $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. Restitution payments would also be required to compensate victims affected by her actions. Sentencing decisions are determined by a judge who considers various factors including the specific statute violated and U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
The case is being investigated by the Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General with prosecution led by Special Assistant United States Attorney Paul Tuck.
