U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced that Wendy Stone, 63, from Rochester, New York, has been sentenced to 12 months in prison for defrauding the Social Security Administration. U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. delivered the sentence following Stone's conviction for conversion and unlawful conveyance of government money.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani detailed the case, explaining that in December 2022, a recipient of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits known as Victim 1 passed away at a residence in Rochester. Stone discovered the body days later but chose not to report the death to authorities. Instead, she used Victim 1’s debit card to access SSI funds deposited into their account for her own use.
Stone went further by using Victim 1’s social security number to activate a new debit card under their name. To hide Victim 1’s death and continue receiving benefits, Stone moved the deceased's body into the basement of the residence where they died, wrapped it in plastic, placed it in a recycling bin, and periodically poured bleach on it. The corpse remained there from December 2022 until September 2023.
Between January and September 2023, Stone collected $7,902 intended for Victim 1 through this scheme. Additionally, on February 6, 2023, she falsely recertified SNAP benefits by claiming that Victim 1 still lived with her, resulting in an extra $1,072 she was not entitled to receive.
The investigation leading to this sentencing was conducted by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General under Special Agent-in-Charge Amy Connelly and the Rochester Police Department led by Chief David Smith.
