A woman from Passaic County, New Jersey, has admitted to defrauding the Social Security Administration by collecting more than $144,000 in survivor benefits after her mother's death. Joan Charnecky, 60, of West Milford, pleaded guilty on September 10 before Senior U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden in Newark federal court to a charge of theft of public money.
According to information presented in court and related documents, Charnecky's mother received widow’s insurance benefits through monthly electronic deposits into her bank account. After her mother died in 2012, Charnecky did not inform the Social Security Administration (SSA) and continued to withdraw these funds for personal use over a ten-year period. The SSA investigation found that from 2012 to 2022, she withdrew approximately $144,768.30 in widow’s insurance benefits.
The offense carries a maximum penalty of up to ten years in prison and a fine as high as $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for January 21, 2026.
"Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Habba credited special agents of the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Amy Connelly, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea."
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Abrams is representing the government in this case.
Charnecky is represented by Joel Bacher.
