Leah B. Foley United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts | Department of Justice
A Charlton resident was arrested on charges of bank fraud for allegedly obtaining more than $111,000 in Social Security benefits, pension payments, and COVID Economic Impact Payments through fraudulent means.
Gina M. Cummings, 60, appeared before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Jennifer C. Boal and was released under certain conditions after her initial court appearance. She faces one count of bank fraud.
According to court documents, authorities allege that from January 2020 through July 2025, Cummings accessed the checkbook of a Social Security beneficiary and pensioner who died in August 2019. Officials say she did not notify the Social Security Administration, the pension plan administrator, or the bank about the individual's death. Instead, she is accused of forging the deceased person’s name on 84 checks and regularly withdrawing funds through recurring bill payments.
The total amount obtained is estimated at approximately $111,853. If convicted of bank fraud, Cummings could face up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss.
“United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.”
Authorities emphasize that these are allegations and that “the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”
