Rochester, N.Y. - Wendy Stone, a 63-year-old resident of Rochester, pled guilty today to charges related to the unlawful conveyance of government money. The plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo and took place before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. Stone could face up to 10 years in prison and a possible fine of $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Testani explained that the case centered around benefits from the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program. In December 2022, an individual identified as Victim 1 passed away in Rochester. Stone discovered Victim 1’s body but failed to report the death to the authorities. Instead, she took Victim 1's debit card and utilized SSI funds deposited in Victim 1's account for her use.
To continue this illicit scheme, Stone used the social security number of Victim 1 to activate a new debit card under Victim 1’s name. She went to lengths to conceal the death by moving the corpse to the basement of the residence and wrapping it in plastic. Stone periodically applied bleach to the corpse, which remained in the basement until September 2023. During this period, she collected $7,902.00 in SSI benefits meant for Victim 1. Furthermore, in February 2023, Stone falsely recertified SNAP benefits by claiming that Victim 1 still lived with her, leading to the acquisition of an additional $1,072.00 in SNAP benefits.
The investigation leading to Stone’s plea was conducted by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, directed by Special Agent-in-Charge Amy Connelly, along with the Rochester Police Department, led by Chief David Smith.
Stone's sentencing is set for July 17, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. before Judge Geraci.
